Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara has landed a new job days after announcing her departure from Citizen TV, bringing a new chapter to her two-decade career in the media industry.
Okwara has been appointed Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, an organisation formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, October 28, following her final broadcast at Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects at the Office of the President, had earlier revealed her next career move in a social media post that attracted mixed reactions.
In its announcement, Shuga Global highlighted Okwara’s experience in journalism, corporate communications, fundraising and government relations.
The organisation said her expertise would help strengthen partnerships, attract funding and mobilise resources as it expands its global reach.
Yvonne Okwara’s new responsibilities
In her new position, Okwara is expected to help Shuga Global establish strategic relationships with partners and identify investment opportunities to support its programmes.
The organisation focuses on using creative media, storytelling and community engagement to promote youth health, well-being and social change.
Shuga Global said her leadership would support its efforts to become more financially sustainable and reduce its reliance on traditional grants.
“As Shuga Global rebrands and expands its worldwide reach, Yvonne will leverage her expertise in business, policy, and social impact to build strategic relationships, unlock funding, and mobilize resources,” the organisation stated.
The appointment marks a shift from Okwara’s familiar role as a television journalist to a leadership position focused on partnerships, investments and organisational growth.
Kenyans react to Dennis Itumbi’s announcement
Itumbi’s announcement also generated discussion because it came shortly after Okwara’s emotional farewell from Citizen TV.
Some social media users questioned why he had revealed her new position before she announced it herself.
@Winnieleah Gathoni Maina, asked: “Did you have to spoil the surprise?”
@Njee Essi wrote:“Why not let her shine? Must you announce everything?”
Others focused on congratulating Okwara on her new opportunity, describing the appointment as a positive development for her career.
Yvonne Okwara’s emotional Citizen TV exit
Okwara announced her departure from Citizen TV during her final broadcast on Tuesday, October 27, ending an eight-and-a-half-year stint at Royal Media Services.
During her farewell, she thanked her colleagues, mentors and viewers for supporting her throughout her career.
She also made it clear that leaving television did not mean she had run out of ambitions.
“I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else,” she told viewers.
Her departure attracted emotional reactions from colleagues, including Royal Media Services editorial director Linus Kaikai, who described it as the toughest newsroom departure he had handled during his leadership.
