Veteran Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara has been appointed as the new Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, a youth-focused organisation. Okwara joins Shuga Global weeks after leaving Citizen TV, where she spent eight and a half years. Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, uses mass media, drama productions, and community engagement to advance health, well-being, and social change.
Okwara's appointment is part of Shuga Global's strategy to reduce its dependence on donor and grant funding. The organisation aims to move away from reliance on grant funding and instead, focus on building strategic relationships and securing resources. Okwara, a corporate communications expert, fundraising specialist, and authority on government relations, will leverage her expertise to unlock funding and mobilize resources.
Shuga Global described Okwara as a celebrated professional who has contributed to national shifts in journalism and media. Her work has sustained development partnerships that have benefited millions of people across different regions and demographics. Okwara's leadership will underpin the organisation's long-term financial sustainability, linking her work directly to a mission that spans two decades and is centred on empowering young people.
Okwara announced her departure from Citizen TV on October 27, during her final broadcast of The Explainer, the station's weekly current affairs programme. She had joined Citizen TV in May 2018 after leaving KTN News. During her farewell, Okwara reflected on a career that began at Royal Media Services, where she first worked as a radio journalist fresh out of university.
Shuga Global is an independent global outfit that uses mass media, drama productions, and community engagement to advance health, well-being, and social change. The organisation has appointed Okwara as part of its effort to rebrand and extend its global reach. Okwara will focus on building strategic relationships and securing resources as the organisation expands its worldwide presence.
Okwara's new role at Shuga Global comes as the organisation seeks to expand its reach beyond grant-dependency. The organisation understands that its communities need opportunities for expanded reach and is looking to Okwara to drive this effort. With her expertise in business, policy, and social impact, Okwara is expected to play a key role in shaping Shuga Global's future.
Shuga Global's appointment of Okwara as Head of Investments and Partnerships marks a significant move for the organisation as it seeks to achieve long-term financial sustainability. Okwara's leadership and expertise are expected to drive this effort, enabling Shuga Global to continue empowering young people and advancing health, well-being, and social change.
Key points
- Yvonne Okwara joins Shuga Global as Head of Investments and Partnerships
- Okwara's appointment is part of Shuga Global's strategy to reduce dependence on donor and grant funding
- Shuga Global aims to achieve long-term financial sustainability under Okwara's leadership
