Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara closed the chapter on a 20-year media career when she signed off from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during her final episode of The Explainer.
Within hours, news of her next move was already circulating online.
Shuga Global, an international non-profit organisation formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, confirmed Okwara as its new Head of Investments and Partnerships.
The London-headquartered organisation focuses on youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, adolescent mental well-being and gender equality through mass media, storytelling and community outreach, with operations in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
What did Kaikai say about Okwara’s new job?
Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai, who was among the mentors Okwara publicly thanked during her final broadcast, took to social media to congratulate her on the new role.
“You leave behind a rich legacy in Kenyan journalism. You’re a born public interest-spirited accountability champion. I will miss your bravery and incisive live television delivery. Well done and all the best in the new frontier,” Kaikai wrote.
He also described handling her exit as the toughest he had dealt with in his career.
During her emotional sign-off, Okwara reflected on a career path that began far from the newsroom; she had graduated with a microbiology degree before finding her calling in broadcast journalism.
She was firm that this was not the end:
“I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else.”
She also called on fellow journalists and the public to keep demanding accountability from those in leadership, a cause she championed throughout her time at the station.
What is Okwara’s new job about?
In her new position, Okwara will draw on her background in journalism, corporate communications and government relations to build strategic partnerships, diversify the organisation’s funding streams and reduce dependence on traditional grants.
She is also expected to expand Shuga Global’s footprint across East Africa.
Kenyans weigh in
Kenyans online also weighed in on the news:
@Japwonji_:
“I have seen the London headquartered Shuga Global welcoming her as Head of Investments and Partnerships. It operates in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya) and South Africa, and remote/hybrid setups.”
@IregiSam:
“News Gang fanatics will definitely miss her. All the beste Yvonne in the new streets.”
@TheAsaph:
“She’s simply the best. I was waiting to see her on the presidential debate 2027.”
@Kemmy1189123:
“Please poach Eric Latiff from govt station (Ntv) to citizen tv…”
@Nokogeria:
“@LinusKaikai sign for us @EricLatiff he’s a perfect replacement especially on News Gang and interviews.”
@revowsg:
“Kwani ilikuwa aende direct? Some people will never know what it means to hustle, to be jobless and in despair.”
