Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara has begun a new chapter in her career after being appointed Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, barely a day after bidding farewell to Citizen TV.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, marks a major shift for the celebrated broadcaster, who spent eight and a half years at Royal Media Services before announcing her departure on Tuesday, October 27.
Okwara’s new position places her in a strategic leadership role at Shuga Global, an international organisation focused on empowering young people through storytelling, media and social impact initiatives.
In announcing the appointment, the organisation expressed excitement about bringing Okwara on board, highlighting her experience in communications, business, fundraising and government relations.
“Shuga Global understands that our communities need opportunities for expanded reach beyond grant-dependency. This is why we are beyond excited to introduce our new Head of Investments and Partnerships, Yvonne Okwara,” the organisation announced.
Her appointment comes at a particularly significant moment for Shuga Global, which is seeking to strengthen its international presence and build sustainable funding streams to support its programmes.
What Yvonne Okwara Will Be Doing at Shuga Global
In her new role, Okwara will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships, identifying investment opportunities and mobilising resources to support the organisation’s work.
She will also help establish relationships with businesses, institutions and other potential partners capable of supporting programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people.
The organisation is working to reduce its dependence on traditional grant funding by broadening its financial partnerships and creating more sustainable ways of financing its activities.
Okwara’s background in journalism, corporate communications and public affairs is expected to be valuable in this transition.
Over the years, she has interviewed influential political leaders, business executives and policymakers, while moderating high-profile discussions on issues affecting Kenya and the wider world.
Her experience engaging different stakeholders could prove useful in building relationships with potential investors, development partners and organisations interested in youth empowerment.
Shuga Global also indicated that her leadership would support its efforts to sustain its two-decade mission as it rebrands and expands its global reach.
A New Beginning After an Emotional Farewell
The appointment follows an emotional farewell by Okwara during her final broadcast at Citizen TV, where she reflected on a career spanning approximately 20 years in the media industry.
During her departure message, she expressed gratitude to the mentors, colleagues and viewers who had supported her journey from her early days in broadcasting to becoming one of Kenya’s most recognisable television journalists.
Reflecting on the years she had spent building her career, Okwara made it clear that leaving Citizen TV did not mean she had exhausted her ambitions.
“After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another,” she said during her farewell.
She also declared:
“I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else.”
Her remarks hinted at a professional transition, although her next destination had not been publicly announced during the farewell broadcast.
The revelation of her appointment at Shuga Global less than 24 hours later has now provided a clearer picture of the direction she intends to take.
Rather than continuing exclusively in television journalism, Okwara will apply her experience to a leadership position involving partnerships, investment and social development.
Okwara’s Journey From Science to Television Journalism
Okwara’s career path has been distinctive, considering that her academic background was in science rather than journalism.
She studied at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree after studying microbiology and other scientific subjects.
Her interest in broadcasting began at a young age, and she gained early exposure to television before progressing into radio production, programme development and newsroom journalism.
She worked at Hot 96 and QFM before joining KTN News in November 2012, where she took on increasingly senior editorial responsibilities, including roles in news strategy and the management of anchors.
In May 2018, she joined Citizen TV, where she became a prominent face of the station’s news and current affairs programming.
Her career also included moderating the 2017 Kenyan presidential debate and participating in high-profile discussions involving influential figures in politics, business and international development. outlines some of her work in journalism and public affairs.
Her Impact at Citizen TV
During her eight-and-a-half-year stint at Citizen TV, Okwara established herself as a prominent presenter known for her direct questioning and analysis of political, economic and social issues.
She became associated with The Explainer, a programme focused on examining major developments, and News Gang, the station’s current affairs discussion programme.
Her work extended beyond reading news bulletins. She also contributed to business reporting, research, planning and conversations examining the decisions of public officials and other influential figures.
Her departure therefore marked the end of a significant period for both the journalist and the broadcaster.
In her farewell, she thanked her colleagues, mentors and viewers, while urging Kenyans to continue asking difficult questions and holding leaders accountable.
Her exit also sparked conversations about who might eventually fill her place on News Gang, although no replacement had been officially announced in the reports reviewed.
Why Her New Role Matters
Okwara’s move to Shuga Global highlights how experience gained in journalism can translate into leadership roles beyond traditional media.
Her new responsibilities will involve building relationships, attracting financial support and helping an organisation sustain programmes with a social impact mission.
The transition also comes at a time when many nonprofit organisations are exploring ways to diversify their funding sources and reduce their dependence on grants.
By drawing on her experience in communications, policy and stakeholder engagement, Okwara will be expected to help Shuga Global develop partnerships that can support its long-term objectives.
According to the organisation, it is also pursuing a rebranding exercise and seeking to expand its international presence.
Although details of Okwara’s remuneration and specific contractual arrangements have not been officially disclosed, the appointment represents a significant professional change after years at the forefront of Kenyan television journalism.
For viewers who had grown accustomed to seeing her interrogate political leaders and analyse national affairs on screen, her new role signals a different way of influencing public conversations and supporting social change.
With her departure from Citizen TV now followed by a leadership appointment at Shuga Global, Okwara appears ready to put her experience to work in a new environment.
Her own farewell message may have offered the clearest explanation of the move: she is leaving one platform behind, but not her ambition to build something meaningful.
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