Veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara has landed a new role at Shuga Global, weeks after leaving Citizen TV, marking a shift from mainstream broadcasting to investments and partnerships.
Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, announced Okwara’s appointment as its Head of Investments and Partnerships, according to a statement published by the organisation.
The appointment follows Okwara’s final broadcast on Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, ending her eight-and-a-half-year tenure at the Royal Media Services-owned station.
Her departure was first followed by an announcement from Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, who said she would join Shuga Global as Head of Government Relations for East Africa. However, the organisation’s reported announcement identifies her role as Head of Investments and Partnerships.
Shuga Global focuses on youth empowerment, health and social change through storytelling, media productions and community engagement.
The organisation said Okwara would help build strategic relationships, mobilise resources and support its efforts to reduce reliance on donor and grant funding as it expands its reach.
During her farewell, Okwara thanked colleagues, mentors and viewers, saying she was moving on to build something else.
Okwara joined Citizen TV in May 2018 after leaving KTN News, where she had spent about five-and-a-half years. At Citizen TV, she became a prominent face of prime-time news and current-affairs programming, including News Gang and The Explainer.
She was appointed Business Editor in December 2021, expanding her role to include economic reporting and analysis. Her career has also included moderating Kenya’s 2017 presidential debate and participating in the 2022 presidential debate process.
Okwara’s move to Shuga Global marks a new chapter in a media career spanning radio, television journalism and business reporting.
