OKWARA TAKES GLOBAL LEAP AFTER RMS SIGN-OFF

Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara has secured a new position as Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, just hours after signing off from Citizen TV, marking a shift from broadcast journalism to leadership in the development sector.

Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, announced her appointment on Wednesday, October 28, a day after her emotional farewell from the Royal Media Services-owned station, where she spent eight and a half years.

The organisation, which uses media, storytelling and creative content to promote youth health, well-being and social change across Africa, said Okwara would help strengthen strategic partnerships, attract investments and mobilise resources to support its programmes.

In announcing the appointment, Shuga Global highlighted her experience in journalism, corporate communications, fundraising and government relations, expressing confidence that her expertise would help expand its reach and strengthen its long-term financial sustainability.

The organisation is seeking to diversify its funding sources and reduce its dependence on traditional grants by developing strategic alliances and identifying alternative investment opportunities.

“Her leadership will support Shuga Global’s two-decade mission of empowering young people by ensuring the organisation’s long-term sustainability,” the organisation said.

Okwara’s appointment was also announced by Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects at the Office of the President, shortly before Shuga Global’s formal communication.

His early disclosure sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning why he had revealed the news before the journalist could announce it herself. Others congratulated Okwara on the new opportunity.

The appointment comes as Okwara closes a career in mainstream broadcasting spanning two decades, during which she became one of Kenya’s most recognisable journalists.

Okwara announced her departure from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, during her final edition of The Explainer. Her sign-off was marked by an emotional moment on air, with colleagues joining her in a farewell celebration that included cutting a cake.

Reflecting on her career, she recalled entering the media industry with youthful enthusiasm, a university degree in microbiology and a strong belief in journalism's ability to contribute to national development.

“When I walked through these doors 20 years ago, I was young, fresh out of university with a microbiology degree, some television experience from my youth, but teeming with vibrancy, optimism for this great craft of journalism and for this country. I still feel the same way,” she said.

She described her two decades in the profession as an opportunity to engage presidents, business executives, politicians, activists, international leaders and ordinary citizens on issues affecting the country and the wider world.

Okwara said the experience had reinforced her conviction that journalism must continue asking difficult questions, scrutinising those in authority and providing a platform for ordinary citizens.

“I've spent two decades asking questions. Sometimes the answers have inspired us. Sometimes they have angered us. Sometimes they have disappointed us,” she said.

She added that leaving television did not mean abandoning her ambitions or commitment to making a difference.

“So, I am not done building. I am simply moving to build something else,” she told viewers.

In her closing remarks, she urged journalists and Kenyans to remain committed to accountability and the country's future.

“Keep asking the right questions. Keep demanding better. Keep holding power to account. Keep believing that this country is worth fighting for. Because it is. And it must be,” she said.

"Thank you all of you; thank you for allowing me to practice my journalism as fearlessly as possible. I will miss all of you terribly. I'll leave it at that before I go viral for crying on TV, which wouldn't be a bad thing after all," she concluded.

Her departure prompted tributes from political leaders, journalists and other public figures who recognised her contribution to public debate and accountability journalism.

Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai described her exit as particularly difficult, saying it was the toughest newsroom departure he had handled during his leadership.

He noted that the industry would feel her absence and wished her success in her next undertaking.

Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka also paid tribute to Okwara, describing her as a consummate professional and expressing how much he would miss her.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna recalled how Okwara gave him his first television appearance more than 13 years ago, thanking her for the opportunity and wishing her well in her next chapter.

“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, Yvonne Okwara. I really loved our little talks on the Explainer. You are one of the best to ever do it,” Sifuna said.

NARC-Kenya and People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua praised Okwara's two decades of courage and conviction, particularly her commitment to holding those in power accountable.

Other leaders, including Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, former Chief Justice David Maraga, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and lawyer Miguna Miguna, also joined those recognising her professional contribution and wishing her well.

Beyond Kenya, Okwara has moderated high-level discussions featuring prominent international figures, including Melinda French Gates, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

Her career has also included moderating Kenya's presidential debates in 2017 and 2022, as well as hosting News Gang and The Explainer. She was appointed Citizen TV's Business Editor in December 2021.

Okwara began her broadcasting journey as a child presenter at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation before moving into radio and television roles at Hot 96 FM, QFM, QTV and Kenya Television Network, among other career stops, before joining Citizen TV.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. In 2025, she also completed an Executive Master's degree at Aga Khan University and obtained a professional certification in sustainability.

Her experience in business reporting, public policy and media leadership is expected to inform her new responsibilities at Shuga Global, where she will focus on building partnerships, securing resources and supporting the organisation's growth.

The move takes Okwara beyond the television newsroom into a role that connects communications, investment and social impact, while placing her experience at the service of programmes targeting young people across Africa.