[1] She obtained a BA degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1974.
She worked for various organisations, before being tapped by former President Daniel arap Moi where she worked in various posts culminating in her appointments as ambassador and head of public service/secretary to the cabinet.
She also served as minister for higher education in the coalition government which came about in 2008 after the post election violence.
However, in April 2010, she swapped jobs with Agriculture Minister William Ruto.
[2][3] In November 2017 an investigation conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism cited her name in the list of politicians named in "Paradise Papers" allegations.