Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara-Matole has landed a new role at Shuga Global, days after announcing her departure from Citizen TV, where she spent eight years as a senior news anchor and editor.
Shuga Global announced Okwara’s appointment as its new Head of Investments and Partnerships on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as the organisation seeks to expand its global reach and strengthen its financial sustainability.
In the announcement, Shuga Global said the appointment was part of its efforts to create opportunities beyond reliance on grants.
“Shuga Global understands that our communities need opportunities for expanded reach beyond grant-dependency,” the organisation stated.
“This is why we are beyond excited to introduce our new Head of Investments and Partnerships, Yvonne Okwara.”
The organisation described Okwara as a corporate communications expert, an experienced fundraiser and an authority on government relations, citing her experience in journalism, media and development partnerships.
“Yvonne joins Shuga as a celebrated corporate communications expert, a fundraising maverick and an authority on government relations,” the statement read.
It added that she had been at the centre of major transformations in journalism and media, as well as development partnerships that have affected millions of people across different countries and demographics.
Shuga Global said Okwara would draw on her expertise in business, policy and social impact to build strategic relationships, secure funding and mobilise resources as the organisation rebrands and expands internationally.
“Her leadership will support Shuga Global’s two-decade mission of empowering young people by ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability,” the organisation stated.
Okwara announced her exit from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, bringing an end to an eight-year stint at the Royal Media Services-owned station, which she joined in May 2018.
During her farewell, the journalist thanked her colleagues for allowing her to practise journalism independently and without fear.
“Thank you all of you; thank you for allowing me to practice my journalism as fearlessly as possible. I will miss all of you terribly. I’ll leave it at that before I go viral for crying on TV, which wouldn’t be a bad thing after all,” she said.
Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai described her departure as a particularly difficult moment for the newsroom, saying the industry would feel the impact of her exit.
“The next departure is always tougher than the last one. This is the toughest I have had to deal with in my leadership of the newsroom. The industry will miss you; this is an industry dent, and we want to wish you the very best in your next endeavors,” Kaikai said.
In her departure announcement, Okwara indicated that she was not ending her professional journey but moving on to another undertaking.
“So, I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else,” she said. She also urged Kenyans to continue demanding accountability from their leaders. “And to you, I urge: keep asking the right questions, keep demanding better, keep holding power to account, and keep believing that this country is worth fighting for,” Okwara added.
Okwara’s move into development and partnerships follows a career spanning nearly two decades across Kenyan broadcasting, journalism and editorial leadership.
She studied at All Saints Cathedral Primary School and Kianda High School before joining Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree, studying Microbiology, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry between 2002 and 2006.
Despite her science background, she pursued journalism, building experience in television production, radio broadcasting, news presentation and newsroom strategy.
Her early broadcasting experience included appearing on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s children’s programming before moving into professional media roles.
Between 2008 and 2012, she worked in production and radio, including as a talk-show producer at QFM and an anchor on NTV’s breakfast programme, NTV This Morning.
In November 2012, Okwara joined KTN News, where she rose through the ranks and took on editorial responsibilities, including heading the station’s anchors and contributing to research, planning and news strategy.
She joined Citizen TV in May 2018 as a senior news anchor, becoming a familiar face on prime-time bulletins and current affairs programmes, including News Gang and The Explainer.
In December 2021, she was appointed Business Editor, adding responsibility for the station’s business desk to her presenting duties.
Beyond her newsroom work, Okwara has moderated Kenya’s presidential debates in 2017 and 2022, served as chair of the Enactus Business Advisory Council and chaired the advisory board of Africa Uncensored.
She has also worked as a media consultant for Kenya’s National Defence College and served on the board of the International Center for Research on Women’s Africa operations.
In 2025, Okwara announced that she had completed an Executive Master’s degree at Aga Khan University and obtained certification as a sustainability professional through the Global Reporting Initiative.
