Yvonne Okwara has officially stepped away from her role as a senior news anchor at Citizen TV to join Shuga Global as its new Head of Investments and Partnerships. This move marks the end of a two-decade journey in broadcast media for Okwara, who has been a prominent figure in East African television. Her new role at Shuga Global will see her focus on building sustainable financial and strategic frameworks. Okwara's transition to Shuga Global was announced on October 28, 2026.
Okwara's career in journalism has been highly acclaimed, with her standing out as one of East Africa's most formidable television hosts, business editors, and prime-time interrogators. During her time at Citizen TV, she moderated high-level presidential debates and interviewed global leaders. Her experience in corporate communications, fundraising strategy, and government relations will be valuable assets in her new role at Shuga Global. Okwara will lead the organization's global drive to mobilize resources and cultivate strategic corporate alliances.
Shuga Global is a UK-headquartered organization known for its multi-award-winning youth drama series and behavioral change campaigns. The organization is pivoting towards financial self-sustainability to reduce its reliance on traditional donor grants. The hire of Okwara aligns with this goal, as she brings a deep network and an innate understanding of governance, public policy, and corporate diplomacy. Her role will involve building alternative revenue pipelines for the organization.
Okwara's move to Shuga Global has been seen as a natural progression in her career, given her evolving trajectory beyond traditional journalism. MTV Shuga, which initially launched as a Kenyan production, has evolved into an international social impact franchise. Bringing on one of Kenya's most respected media figures to champion its global scaling efforts feels like a full-circle moment for the organization.
As Head of Investments and Partnerships, Okwara will be responsible for leading Shuga Global's efforts to mobilize resources and build strategic corporate alliances. Her experience in chairing independent media boards and her understanding of governance and public policy will be valuable assets in this role. Okwara's transition to Shuga Global marks a new chapter in her career, one that will see her focus on building sustainable financial frameworks.
Okwara's departure from Citizen TV was marked by an emotional sign-off, concluding an iconic two-decade journey in broadcast media. Her jump to Shuga Global shifts her scope from holding power to account on camera to building sustainable financial and strategic frameworks off camera. The move has been seen as a surprise by many broadcast audiences, but it aligns directly with Okwara's evolving career trajectory.
Shuga Global's pivot towards financial self-sustainability is a significant development for the organization. With Okwara at the helm of its investments and partnerships, the organization is well-positioned to achieve its goals. Okwara's credentials as a corporate communications expert, fundraising strategist, and government relations authority make her an ideal candidate for this role.
Key points
- Yvonne Okwara has joined Shuga Global as its new Head of Investments and Partnerships.
- Okwara's move to Shuga Global marks a new chapter in her career, one that will see her focus on building sustainable financial frameworks.
- Shuga Global is pivoting towards financial self-sustainability, and Okwara's hire is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
