Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara has dismissed reports suggesting her new role will require her to relocate to London.
In an exclusive statement shared with TUKO.co.ke, she clarified that she remains based in Nairobi despite joining the London-headquartered Shuga Global as Head of Investments and Partnerships.
What did Yvonne Okwara say about her new job?
“I am not moving to London, though. You should stop reading the blogs,” Okwara said, responding directly to the speculation.
“Shuga shifted its global headquarters to Nairobi; I am based here,” she clarified.
The pushback came just days after two major announcements rocked the local media industry. On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, Okwara signed off from Citizen TV live on air during her final hosting of The Explainer, drawing the curtain on eight and a half years at the station.
During that time, she built a formidable reputation as a senior news anchor and business editor, fronting Tonight and featuring prominently on the News Gang political discussion segment.
She was also the face behind several high-profile political interviews and moderated presidential debates.
In her farewell remarks, Okwara was clear that stepping away from the newsroom did not mean stepping away from social impact work. It was a transition, she said, into a new kind of leadership.
What is Yvonne Okwara’s new job about?
The very next day, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Shuga Global announced her appointment as Head of Investments and Partnerships.
In the role, she will lead the organisation’s efforts to forge strategic partnerships, scout investment opportunities and mobilise resources to scale its youth-focused programmes.
Part of her mandate will also involve steering Shuga Global towards more sustainable funding models, reducing its historical dependence on traditional grants.
Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation before rebranding in April 2026, is the organisation behind the widely recognised Shuga drama franchise.
It uses storytelling, media and youth engagement to tackle sexual health, HIV prevention and broader social challenges affecting young people.
The relocation rumours appear to have stemmed from Shuga Global’s origins as a London-headquartered organisation.
However, Okwara’s clarification makes clear that the group’s global base has since shifted to Nairobi, making her appointment a local one despite the organisation’s international reach.
For Okwara, the move marks the end of roughly 20 years on the frontline of broadcast journalism and the beginning of a career chapter centred on investment strategy and organisational growth.
