Veteran broadcaster Yvonne Okwara has a new job barely 24 hours after signing off from Citizen TV. Shuga Global, the international youth organisation known for using television drama and storytelling to tackle health and social issues, on Wednesday named her its Head of Investments and Partnerships.

The appointment answers the question many viewers asked when Okwara announced on Tuesday that she was leaving the Royal Media Services station after about eight and a half years, saying she was "simply moving to build something else."

What the new role involves

According to Shuga Global, Okwara will lead efforts to build strategic partnerships, attract investment and mobilise resources for its programmes aimed at young people. Nairobi News reports that the job also covers building relationships with businesses, institutions and other potential backers.

The move comes as the organisation rebrands and widens its international footprint while trying to cut its dependence on donor grants. "Shuga Global understands that our communities need opportunities for expanded reach beyond grant-dependency," the organisation said in its announcement.

It added that Okwara would draw on her experience in building relationships and unlocking funding. Shuga Global credited her with skills in corporate communications, fundraising, government relations and development partnerships.

The terms of her contract and her start date were not disclosed.

From microbiology to the anchor's desk

Okwara's path to broadcasting was unusual. Nairobi News notes that she graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2006 with a science degree, having studied microbiology.

Her media career includes:

  • Radio stints at Hot 96 and QFM
  • Joining KTN News in November 2012, where she held senior editorial roles
  • Moving to Citizen TV in May 2018, where she became a household name through The Explainer and News Gang
  • Moderating the 2017 presidential debate

An emotional goodbye

In her farewell on Tuesday, Okwara reflected on two decades in journalism. "After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another," she said.

Her switch to the development and investment space follows a trend of prominent Kenyan news anchors moving into corporate, political and non-profit roles. Shuga, which began as a youth television drama tackling HIV and relationships, has a large following across Kenya and the continent, giving Okwara a familiar brand as she starts her new chapter away from the cameras.

Photos: Nairobi News; Shuga Global via Citizen Digital. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.