Yvonne Okwara announced her departure from Citizen TV and Royal Media Services on October 27, 2026, during the final broadcast of The Explainer, a 9 pm current affairs program she anchored. Okwara joined Citizen TV in May 2018 from KTN News, where she anchored prime-time bulletins and hosted current affairs programming, focusing on political and economic developments. Her career spans nearly two decades, with previous roles at KBC, Nation Media Group, and QFM.
During her tenure at Royal Media Services, Okwara interviewed prominent figures, including President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries, and international leaders like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. She also co-hosted News Gang every Thursday alongside a team that included RMS Editorial Director Linus Kaikai. Okwara's farewell remarks reflected on her journey, noting she began her career at the same organization she was now leaving. She expressed her desire to build something new, urging journalists to continue asking critical questions and holding power to account.
Okwara's departure has been met with tributes from colleagues and politicians. Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator, praised Okwara, describing her as one of the best in journalism. Sifuna recalled that Okwara gave him his first television appearance over 13 years ago. Her contributions to Kenyan journalism have been significant, with a career spanning multiple media houses and a reputation for incisive reporting.
Okwara's next career move remains unclear, with no details announced about her future plans. In her farewell address, she hinted at embarking on a new chapter but did not provide specifics. Her exit from Citizen TV and Royal Media Services marks the end of an era, with Okwara having become a household name in Kenyan journalism.
The announcement of Okwara's departure came as a surprise to many, given her long-standing presence at Citizen TV. Her role in shaping public discourse through her reporting and interviews has been widely acknowledged. As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Okwara's legacy in Kenyan journalism is secure.
Okwara's commitment to holding power to account and promoting critical journalism has been a hallmark of her career. In her farewell remarks, she encouraged journalists to continue demanding better and questioning those in power. Her influence on the next generation of journalists is likely to be lasting.
As Yvonne Okwara moves on to new challenges, her colleagues and admirers have expressed gratitude for her contributions to Kenyan journalism. With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Okwara's impact on the media landscape is undeniable. Her farewell from Citizen TV and Royal Media Services marks a significant change in the media industry.
Key points
- Yvonne Okwara ends her eight-and-a-half-year stint at Citizen TV and Royal Media Services.
- Okwara's career in journalism spans nearly 20 years, with roles at multiple media houses.
- Her departure has prompted tributes from colleagues and politicians, acknowledging her significant contributions to Kenyan journalism.
