Veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara has been appointed Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, a youth empowerment organisation formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, following her departure from Citizen TV after eight and a half years.
The organisation confirmed the appointment in a statement published on its LinkedIn page, describing Okwara as a celebrated corporate communications expert, a fundraising maverick and an authority on government relations.
According to Shuga Global, Okwara has been at the forefront of groundbreaking transformations in journalism and media and has played a central role in development partnerships that have impacted millions of lives across borders and demographics.
As the organisation rebrands and expands its global reach, Okwara will leverage her expertise in business, policy and social impact to build strategic relationships, unlock funding and mobilise resources.
Her leadership is expected to strengthen the organisation’s long-term sustainability as it continues its two-decade mission of empowering young people.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Okwara, whose departure from Citizen TV was announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during her final appearance on The Explainer, a weekly current affairs programme.
Okwara Reflects on Her Journalism Career
During her farewell broadcast, Okwara reflected on her nearly two-decade career, expressing gratitude to the mentors, colleagues and viewers who supported her journey.
“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 vibrance, optimism for this great craft of journalism and for this country,” she said.
Okwara joined Citizen TV in May 2018 after working at KTN News. At the station, she became known for political interviews, business reporting and analysis of major national developments.
She anchored prime-time news bulletins, hosted current affairs programmes and interviewed prominent figures, including President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Before joining Citizen TV, she worked at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Nation Media Group and QFM, gaining experience across radio and television.
Pays Tribute to Her Mentors
During her farewell, Okwara credited veteran broadcaster Jimmy Gathu with giving her an early opportunity in journalism at Hot 96. She recalled learning to develop radio shows, select music and prepare broadcasts before going on air.
She said the experience taught her curiosity and the importance of respecting the audience’s time.
She also thanked Joe Ageyo for helping shape her as a journalist and giving her the courage to pursue challenging assignments.
Sam Shollei, the former Standard Group chief executive, received recognition for teaching her leadership lessons, listening to people at every level and supporting her during difficult moments.
Okwara further acknowledged Monira Muhammad for a conversation about women in leadership that had stayed with her, and Emmanuel Talam, whom she credited with giving her first newsroom leadership assignment.
Recognises News Gang Colleagues
The journalist also paid tribute to her colleagues on News Gang, describing the programme as an important platform for informed discussions on national issues.
She praised Linus Kaikai for standing beside her during challenging periods, Jamila Mohamed for bringing humanity to the team and Joseph Bonareri, popularly known as JB, for his wisdom and steadiness.
She singled out Sam Gituku for his sharp insights and ability to explain complex issues through numbers.
“In you, Sam, the future of journalism is bright,” she said.
Okwara also thanked the wider Citizen TV newsroom, including reporters, editors, photojournalists, anchors and support staff, for their contribution to the station’s work.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among those who praised her contribution, recalling that she had given him one of his earliest television appearances more than 13 years ago.
Okwara Looks to a New Chapter
As she signed off, Okwara reaffirmed her belief in journalism’s role in giving ordinary people a voice and holding those in power accountable.
“I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to continue asking critical questions, demanding better and holding leaders accountable.
While her departure marks the end of her Citizen TV chapter, her appointment at Shuga Global signals a new professional direction centred on strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and youth empowerment.
