Former Citizen TV news anchor Yvonne Okwara has secured a new professional role at Shuga Global, marking a significant transition after her departure from the Royal Media Services-owned television station.
The organization announced her appointment as Head of Investments and Partnerships on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, just a day after she announced that she was leaving Citizen TV.
The appointment marks a shift from a career in broadcast journalism to a position focused on strategic partnerships, fundraising, and resource mobilization.
It also comes as Shuga Global seeks to broaden its international reach and strengthen the financial sustainability of its youth-focused programs.
Yvonne Okwara’s New Role at Shuga Global
Shuga Global announced that Okwara would lead its investments and partnerships function, drawing on her experience in communications, fundraising, business, and government relations.
In the new position, her responsibilities are expected to include:
- Building strategic relationships with organizations and potential partners.
- Identifying investment and funding opportunities.
- Mobilizing resources to support Shuga Global’s programs.
- Strengthening partnerships that can support the organization’s long-term objectives.
The organization said her experience in business, policy, and social impact would help it expand its reach and reduce its dependence on traditional grant funding.
The appointment places Okwara in a role where relationship-building and resource mobilization will be central to supporting the organization’s work.
Why Shuga Global Is Seeking New Partnerships
Shuga Global is an organization known for using storytelling and media to engage young people and encourage positive social and behavioral change. Its work includes youth-focused entertainment and initiatives addressing health, relationships, and social issues.
The organization was previously known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation before adopting the Shuga Global name in April 2026. Its projects include the MTV Shuga series, which uses compelling stories to explore issues affecting young people.
As the organization expands its international presence, partnerships and sustainable funding are important to maintaining and growing its programs.
Okwara’s appointment is part of that broader effort to build relationships, unlock resources, and support its long-term mission.
Yvonne Okwara’s Departure From Citizen TV
Okwara announced her departure from Citizen TV on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, ending a tenure of about eight years at the station. During that period, she became a familiar face to Kenyan audiences through news bulletins, political interviews, and current-affairs discussions.
She was particularly associated with The Explainer and News Gang, programs that covered politics, governance, and national issues. Her interviewing style and engagement with public officials helped establish her profile in Kenya’s broadcast media industry.
During her farewell, Okwara expressed gratitude to her colleagues for allowing her to practice journalism with confidence and independence.
Her exit marked the end of an important chapter in her broadcasting career and the beginning of a new professional direction.
What the Appointment Means for Her Career
Moving into investments and partnerships represents a change in the focus of Okwara’s work. Rather than primarily presenting news and interviewing public figures, she will now work on building relationships and mobilizing resources for an organization whose activities combine media, youth engagement, and social impact.
Her experience in journalism and public affairs may be relevant to engaging businesses, institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders. However, the precise projects she will lead, the partnerships she will pursue, and the funding targets she will oversee have not been publicly detailed in the announcement.
The appointment also highlights how experienced media professionals can move into roles that connect communications, organizational strategy, and development initiatives.
Conclusion
Yvonne Okwara’s appointment as Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global marks a new phase in her professional journey following her departure from Citizen TV. Her new responsibilities will center on developing strategic relationships, attracting investment, and mobilizing resources for programs aimed at young people.
As Shuga Global continues to expand and pursue more sustainable funding, attention will turn to how Okwara helps build partnerships and support the organization’s long-term objectives.
For Kenyan audiences who have followed her work on television, the appointment offers a look at her next chapter beyond the newsroom.
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