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Janet Mbugua: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Biography & More

Balancing fame, family, and advocacy with grace

By Marveline MerabPublished 9 months ago Updated 8 months ago 5 min read
Janet Mbugua

Janet Mbugua, a household name in Kenyan media, continues to command respect for her stellar career, humanitarian efforts, and personal resilience. From her days anchoring prime-time news to championing menstrual health.

In this article, we explore the remarkable journey of Janet Mbugua—her age, husband, biography, and net worth. We also dive into her impact on media and society, offering a well-rounded view of one of Kenya’s most influential women.

Janet Mbugua

Quick Facts About Janet Mbugua

  • Full Name: Janet Mbugua Ndichu
  • Date of Birth: January 11, 1984
  • Age: 41 years (as of 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Mombasa, Kenya
  • Tribe: Kikuyu
  • Nationality: Kenyan
  • Profession: Media Personality, Actress, Philanthropist
  • Education: United States International University (USIU), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Malaysia), Swiss Management Academy (Nairobi)
  • Marital Status: Was married to Edward Ndichu
  • Children: Two sons—Ethan Huru Ndichu (born October 2015) and Mali Ndichu
  • Net Worth: Estimated between $1 million and $5 million
  • Notable Roles: Lead role in the TV series Rush
  • Philanthropy: Founder of the Inua Dada campaign and the Inua Dada Centre

Janet Mbugua Biography

Janet Mbugua Ndichu is a renowned Kenyan media personality, actress, and philanthropist. Born on January 11, 1984, in Mombasa, Kenya, she grew up alongside her twin brother, Timothy Mbugua. Janet attended Brookhouse School and later pursued higher education at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi. She furthered her studies in mass communication at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Malaysia and earned an MBA in Global Business Management from the Swiss Management Academy in Nairobi. ​

Janet's career in media began in 2004 at 98.4 Capital FM. She later worked as a news anchor, reporter, and producer for e.tv's Africa 360 in Johannesburg. Upon returning to Kenya, she joined Citizen TV, where she became a leading anchor for prime-time news, co-hosting Monday Special and The Big Question. In 2014, she ventured into acting, landing the lead role of Pendo Adama in the sitcom Rush. ​

In 2017, Janet shifted her focus to humanitarian work, founding the Inua Dada campaign, which aims to empower young women. She also established the Inua Dada Centre in Korogocho, Nairobi, providing access to information on reproductive health and rights.

Janet Mbugua Age

Janet Mbugua was born on January 11, 1984, which makes her 41 years old as of 2025.

Janet Mbugua Tribe

Janet Mbugua hails from the Kikuyu tribe.

Career Highlights

  • Media Career: Janet began her media journey at 98.4 Capital FM and later worked with e.tv's Africa 360. She became a household name as a prime-time news anchor at Citizen TV. Her acting debut was in the sitcom Rush, where she played the lead role. ​
  • Philanthropy: Through the Inua Dada campaign and Centre, Janet has been instrumental in advocating for women's rights and providing resources for young women in underserved communities. ​
  • Author: In 2019, Janet released her first book, My First Time, a collection of stories about individuals' first experiences with menstruation.

Janet Mbugua Podcast

Janet Mbugua's podcast, My First Time Stories, is a compelling platform that amplifies voices around menstruation, youth empowerment, and social justice. Launched in 2020 and relaunched in May 2024, the podcast has evolved to feature a diverse range of stories, particularly focusing on young voices and their experiences.​

In its third season, the podcast has spotlighted remarkable young individuals such as Tumiso (daughter of musician Wahu), Norah (daughter of radio presenter Jeridah Andayi), and Aryana Raj (daughter of Pinky Ghelani), who share their perspectives on topics ranging from climate action to menstrual health advocacy.

The episodes delve into various themes, including mental health advocacy, with guests like Zahra Njoki discussing the importance of breaking the silence around mental health in Kenya. Other episodes feature discussions on menstrual disorders, intergenerational conversations about menstruation, and the role of art in human rights activism.

The podcast is available on multiple platforms, including Afripods, Spotify, Amazon Music, and SoundCloud, making it accessible to a broad audience. ​

Through My First Time Stories, Janet Mbugua continues to foster open conversations, challenge societal taboos, and advocate for menstrual equity and youth empowerment.​

Janet Mbugua Net Worth

Janet Mbugua's net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth stems from her successful career in media, acting, business ventures, and philanthropic activities.

Janet Mbugua Husband

Janet Mbugua was married to Edward Ndichu, a prominent figure in the Kenyan business and technology sectors. Edward held significant positions, including Head of Digital Banking at Standard Chartered Bank and Managing Director at Opera Software. Together, they have two sons: Ethan Huru Ndichu, born in October 2015, and Mali Ndichu.

Janet Mbugua Divorce

​Janet Mbugua and Eddie Ndichu's marriage, which began with a vibrant wedding in 2015 at Chaka Ranch in Nyeri County, eventually ended in divorce. The couple, who have two sons together, reportedly separated around 2020, with Janet filing for divorce in 2022. ​

Reasons for Divorce

The dissolution of their marriage was attributed to multiple factors:​

  • Infidelity: Eddie Ndichu was alleged to have engaged in extramarital affairs. A notable incident involved Janet reportedly discovering him with another woman in their matrimonial home. ​
  • Physical Abuse: Sources close to Janet claimed she experienced physical abuse during the marriage, leading her to miss professional engagements due to visible injuries. ​
  • Neglect of Parental Duties: Post-separation, Janet accused Eddie of neglecting his responsibilities as a father, prompting her to seek Ksh 1 million monthly in child support to cater for their children's needs. ​

Public Fallout

The couple's private issues became public following an incident in October 2021, where Eddie and his twin brother, Paul Ndichu, were involved in an altercation with two women at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel. This event intensified scrutiny on Eddie's behavior and further strained his relationship with Janet. ​

Healing and Co-Parenting

Despite the challenges, Janet has spoken about her journey towards healing, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. She and Eddie have since focused on co-parenting their sons, occasionally coming together for family events, reflecting a commitment to their children's welfare.

Social Media

  • Instagram: @officialjanetmbugua
  • Twitter: @OfficialJanet
  • YouTube: Official Janet Mbugua
  • Website: officialjanetmbugua.com

Conclusion

Janet Mbugua's journey from a news anchor to a philanthropist and author showcases her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact in society. Her work continues to inspire many, especially young women, to pursue their passions and advocate for change.​

Frequently Asked Questions About Janet Mbugua

1. How old is Janet Mbugua?

Janet Mbugua was born on January 11, 1984, making her 41 years old as of April 2025. ​

2. Who is Janet Mbugua married to?

Janet Mbugua was married to Eddie Ndichu in 2015. However, they filed for divorce in May 2022, and the case was still in court as of that time. ​

3. Does Janet Mbugua have children?

Yes, Janet Mbugua has two sons:

  1. Huru Mohammed Ndichu
  2. Mali Ndichu​

4. What is Janet Mbugua's net worth?

Janet Mbugua's net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, derived from her career in media, business ventures, philanthropy, and authorship. ​

5. What is Janet Mbugua's tribe?

Janet Mbugua hails from the Kikuyu ethnic group, one of the largest in Kenya.​

6. What is Janet Mbugua's educational background?

Janet Mbugua attended Brookhouse School in Nairobi. She later pursued higher education at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Malaysia, and the Swiss Management Academy in Nairobi.​

7. What is Janet Mbugua's profession?

Janet Mbugua is a media personality, actress, and philanthropist. She gained prominence as a news anchor at KTN and Citizen TV, and later starred in the sitcom Rush. She is also the founder of the Inua Dada Foundation, which focuses on empowering young women.

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Marveline Merab

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