Yvonne Okwara Exits Citizen TV, Retires from Journalism After 20 Years

Seasoned Citizen Television journalist Yvonne Okwara has officially signed off from Royal Media Services (RMS) in an emotional farewell, marking the end of an impressive 20-year career in mainstream journalism.

Okwara, who spent eight and a half years at RMS, expressed deep gratitude to her viewers, mentors, and colleagues for supporting her growth over two decades in the industry.

“To our viewers, you have watched my career blossom from infancy to this point twenty years later. Thank you for your support,” Okwara stated during her final broadcast. She also paid special tribute to RMS Strategy and Innovation Director Linus Kaikai, adding, “To Linus Kaikai, thank you… Thank you for the support and for allowing me to participate in journalism.”

While bowing out of mainstream media, the award-winning broadcaster and communications expert did not immediately reveal her next professional move.

Okwara leaves behind a distinguished legacy as one of Kenya’s most recognizable media figures. Starting her career behind the scenes as a radio talk show producer at QFM, she progressively transitioned into television journalism. Her career path led her to Nation Media Group and later KTN News in 2012, where she served as Head of Anchors and contributed to the station’s editorial strategy.

Before her departure from Citizen TV, Okwara served as a Senior News Anchor and Business Editor. Voted Kenya’s best female English TV anchor in 2023, she has moderated major high-level panels and forums featuring global leaders such as Melinda Gates, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and former Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge. She also co-moderated Kenya’s Presidential Debates in both 2017 and 2022.

Beyond newsreading, Okwara remains active in media leadership and consultancy. She serves as a media consultant for Kenya’s National Defence College, chairs the Advisory Board of independent investigative outlet Africa Uncensored, leads the ENACTUS Business Advisory Council, and is a Bloomberg Africa Leadership Initiative Media Fellow.