Okwara bids farewell to Citizen TV after nearly 20 years in journalism

NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 28 – Seasoned broadcaster Yvonne Okwara has brought her eight-and-a-half-year stint at Citizen TV to a close, ending a defining chapter at the Royal Media Services-owned station as she prepares to pursue a new professional path.

Okwara announced her departure on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during her final appearance on The Explainer, reflecting on a career spanning nearly two decades and urging Kenyans to remain steadfast in demanding accountability from those in power.

Although she did not disclose what she intends to do next, her farewell suggested that she sees the departure as a transition rather than the end of her ambitions.

“After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another,” she said, signalling her readiness to take on a different challenge after years in the newsroom.

Her exit marks the end of a tenure during which she became a familiar face on prime-time television, leading discussions on politics, governance, business and other issues shaping the country.

Okwara also used her final broadcast to reflect on the principles that have guided her work, arguing that journalism must continue to question authority, scrutinise decisions made by leaders and provide a platform for ordinary citizens.

“I’ve spent two decades asking questions. Sometimes the answers have inspired us. Sometimes they have angered us. Sometimes they have disappointed us,” she said.

“But I’ve always believed that asking the question matters. That holding power to account matters. That giving ordinary people a voice matters.”

She added that her optimism about journalism and Kenya remained intact despite the challenges encountered along the way.

The departure drew an emotional response from Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai, who described it as one of the most difficult newsroom exits he had handled during his leadership.

“The next departure is always tougher than the last one. This is the toughest I have had to deal with in my leadership of the newsroom,” Kaikai said.

“The industry will miss you; this is an industry dent, and we want to wish you the very best in your next endeavours.”

Okwara, in turn, acknowledged the contribution of colleagues across the newsroom, recognising that television journalism depends on the work of people beyond those who appear before the cameras.

Her tribute extended to reporters, editors, producers, camera operators, drivers, make-up artists and technical staff whose work supports the daily production of news.

She also recognised the people who helped shape her career, including mentors who offered her opportunities early in her professional journey and colleagues who supported her growth over the years.

The journalist expressed gratitude to her family for standing by her through the demands of broadcasting, including late-night programmes and the pressures that come with covering major national events.

Her departure also prompted tributes from public figures who had interacted with her professionally.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga praised her honesty, integrity and commitment to seeking the truth, describing those qualities as rare and wishing her well in her next chapter.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna recalled that Okwara gave him his first television appearance more than 13 years ago. He thanked her for the opportunity and praised her contribution to the profession.

The tributes highlighted the influence she built not only through presenting news but also through interviews and discussions that brought politicians and other public figures under scrutiny.

Okwara’s journey through the media industry began before she became one of Citizen TV’s recognisable news presenters.

After graduating from university with a degree in microbiology, she pursued broadcasting, drawing on television experience she had acquired earlier in life.

She began at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, where she presented a children’s programme, before moving into radio and other roles in the media industry.

Her career included work at Hot 96 and Nation Media Group, where she worked with QFM and undertook voice-over assignments for NTV’s business programme, Money Matters.

She later joined the Kenya Television Network, gaining further experience in television journalism before moving to Citizen TV in May 2018.

At Citizen TV, she became known for anchoring prime-time bulletins and handling interviews on contentious political and economic questions. In December 2021, she also took on the role of Business Editor, adding editorial responsibilities to her broadcasting work.

She subsequently became a central figure in News Gang, the station’s panel programme examining political developments and national affairs, while The Explainer gave her a dedicated platform to interrogate major stories and explain their implications to viewers.

Her work also extended beyond regular news bulletins. She moderated presidential debates and forums involving prominent local and international figures, building a profile in political interviews and public-affairs discussions.

Over the years, she interviewed leaders and influential figures from government, business and international institutions, including President William Ruto and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

Her assignments also included moderating forums featuring international figures such as Melinda French Gates, former US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, former World Bank president Jim Yong Kim and former African Development Bank president Donald Kaberuka.

Her style was built around probing questions and sustained discussion of issues that often divided public opinion. Through The Explainer and News Gang, she participated in conversations on leadership, governance and the decisions affecting Kenyans.

But her final message was directed beyond the station and the media industry.

She urged citizens to continue demanding better leadership and holding those in authority accountable, while maintaining faith in the country’s future.

Her parting words echoed the themes that had defined much of her work: the need to ask difficult questions, insist on answers and remain engaged in the affairs of the nation.

For now, Okwara has not publicly detailed her next undertaking. What she made clear, however, is that she does not consider her work complete.

“So, I am not done building. I am simply moving to build something else,” she said.