A career educationalist, Prof. Gachukia is the Academic Director of the Riara Group of Schools, which comprises two Kindergartens, two Primary Schools and a Girls’ Secondary School. She is also the Vice-Chair, Riara University Governing Council. Riara University is the latest innovation in higher education in Kenya, designed to be the regional university of choice with the goal of nurturing innovators. She was the Founding Executive Director, Forum for African Women Educationalists (1993-1999) later serving in its Executive Committee (2002-2004).

FAWE has a presence in 35 African countries and has received several Awards and Honours for its contribution to female education in Africa.

At the National Level she has served as Chairperson, Moi University Council (2003-2006), Senior Lecturer and Chairperson, Department of Literature, University of Nairobi (1971-1993); Chairperson, Task Force on implementation of Free Primary Education in Kenya (2003); and another on the provision of Affordable Secondary Education in Kenya (2006); Member of the Board of Trustees United States International University (USIU) –Kenya (1999-2007) and Vice-Chairperson (2007-2010); Member, Board of Trustees Population Council, New York (1987 to June, 1995).Currently, Vice-Chairperson of Starehe Girls’ Centre Board of Trustees, of which she was one of the founding Trustees. Starehe Girls’ Centre is a secondary school for brilliant yet disadvantaged girls who require full sponsorship. Over 90% of girls admitted to Starehe gain University entry. She was a Member of Parliament representing women’s interests (1974-1983). She also served in the top leadership of the National Council of Women of Kenya, the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization, and the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development, of which she is the Patron.

She played leadership roles in the U.N conferences on Women – Mexico (1975), Copenhagen (1979), Nairobi (1985) and Beijing (1995), representing the Government of Kenya and national Non-Governmental Organizations. Dr. Gachukia has served on many Governing Boards nationally and internationally. She has also served on the Boards of numerous Secondary Schools in Kenya.

She has been published severally in literacy criticism, Gender and Development, Education and Child Development related issues.

She has a passion for education generally and girls’ education in particular. She has provided leadership in Chairing Education Task Forces on Education at the request of the Government of Kenya.