The late Mama Joyce Michael Awiti was born on July 9, 1949 to the late Mzee Michael Walwang’a and Saulina Walwang’a in Sakwa-Bondo, Nyanza, Kenya. She was sister to Kepha Usenge, Jacinta Atieno, the late Hellen Awino, the late Margaret Akumu, the late Hilda Awino, the late George Owino and the late Elisha Ogai. She was raised in a strong Christian family.

Upon completion of her secondary school education, Mama Joyce, an alumni of Lwak Girls High School in Siaya County, immediately joined the Ministry of Agriculture as a Field Officer. She then joined Bukura Technical Institute (Bukura Agricultural College)  for her tertiary education. Her time at Bukura sowed the seeds for what was to become a lifelong career in the agricultural sector.

Right after college, Mama Joyce was transferred and attached to the Ministry of Agriculture in Kisii where she served diligently while pursuing career enhancement opportunities. She later joined Egerton University to further her knowledge and education in the agricultural field. Upon returning to her post she rose to the rank of District Home Economics Officer.

As Home Economics Officer in Kisii district,  she worked extensively in the region rolling out Ministry of Agriculture initiatives while transforming the lives of farmers and their families. For a while her role in organising and ensuring the success of Kisii District Agricultural Show was indispensable. 
She maintained her position until her transfer to Rachuonyo District where she was part of the pioneering team for the Ministry of Agriculture Office. She retired in 2005 as a dedicated career Ministry of Agriculture employee.

Even as she advanced careerwise, she was blessed with three children Michael Otieno, Joanne Nyaoro, Mauline Atieno and a multitude of grandchildren to name a few Joy Awiti, Erica Otieno, Stephanie Joy, Andrew Birgen, Mikella Otieno, Jeremy Seda, Enzi Otieno, Myla Seda and the late Damian Otieno. Aunty to Michael, Davis, Mike, Seline, Salome, Hellen, Steve, Esther, Nancy. It is however a well known fact that Nya Bungu had many sons and daughters that she raised and nurtured in the same spirit as her own.

They say the measure of a successful individual is not in how much money one has  or the number of people one knows, but in the lives one touches and transforms. Mama Joyce was an uplifter in a league of her own. She was stubbornly selfless and enabled all her sons, daughters, friends and family in a variety of ways.

Her drive to transform lives guided her to participate in various community and societal initiatives. Agoro Sare Mixed Secondary School will fondly remember her as their founding school committee member in charge of the treasury. Her participation in the activities and efforts mobilisation of various women’s groups in Rachuonyo District, Oyugis Town and Kamuma is widely known.
Mama Joyce lived well, fought well and achieved much in her lifetime. She did it her way, always putting God first.
Nind maber Nyar Walwanga, Min Boy, Nya Bondo, Mama Joyce, Nya Bungu, Njeri, Nyawambi, Dana, Ajoy, Nya Sakwa Bondo, Auntie, Osiep Chunya, Nyamin Japuonj, Nyar Michael