Media personality Yvonne Okwara’s career in journalism has taken her from children’s television and radio production to prime-time news, editorial leadership and major political interviews.
Over nearly two decades, she has worked across different areas of broadcasting, building a professional profile that extends beyond reading news bulletins.
Her journey began with an academic background in science rather than journalism. Okwara studied at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, graduating in 2006.
However, her interest in television started much earlier. As a child, she hosted a children’s variety programme at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), gaining her first experience in front of the camera.
That early opportunity introduced her to broadcasting before she eventually pursued media as a career. Since then, she has worked in radio, television production, news presentation, business reporting and newsroom management.
From children’s television to radio production
Okwara’s interest in journalism developed during childhood, when she became fascinated by television presenters and the way they communicated information to audiences.
Her early television experience at KBC allowed her to explore that interest. She hosted a children’s programme, earning experience in presentation and working with a production team.
After completing her university education, she pursued opportunities in broadcasting. Her early professional experience included working at Hot 96, where she gained exposure to radio production.
She later worked at QFM and NTV under Nation Media Group. Her responsibilities included producing radio talk shows, working on television content, conducting research and undertaking voice-over assignments.
These roles allowed her to experience the industry from behind the scenes. Radio and television production require planning, research and coordination before a programme reaches its audience.
Her experience in these areas provided a foundation for her subsequent work as a news presenter and editor.
The move to KTN and newsroom leadership
In November 2012, Okwara joined KTN News under the Standard Group, marking a significant stage in her broadcasting career.
At the station, she took on presenting and editorial responsibilities, eventually serving in leadership positions that included Head of Anchors and Head of News Strategy.
These roles expanded her work beyond appearing on television. She became involved in newsroom planning, research and the development of news coverage.
As Head of Anchors, she was involved in the work of the team responsible for presenting news. Her responsibilities in news strategy also exposed her to the planning and editorial decisions that shape a broadcaster’s output.
The experience broadened her understanding of journalism, giving her exposure to both the presentation of news and the processes involved in producing it.
Her time at KTN also helped establish her profile as a journalist working across news presentation and editorial management.
Building her profile at Citizen TV
Okwara returned to Royal Media Services in May 2018, joining Citizen TV as a senior news anchor.
At the station, she presented news bulletins and became associated with current affairs programming, including News Gang and The Explainer.
News Gang brought journalists together to discuss politics, governance and other developments affecting Kenya. The programme provided a platform for examining public affairs through discussions and analysis.
Through The Explainer, Okwara focused on major developments and the issues behind the headlines, helping audiences understand complex subjects.
In December 2021, she was appointed Business Editor, adding business reporting to her responsibilities. The position expanded her work into economic and corporate affairs alongside her existing broadcasting duties.
Her career also includes moderating Kenya’s 2017 presidential debate and participating in discussions involving prominent figures in politics, business and international development.
These assignments placed her in settings that required preparation, knowledge of current affairs and the ability to guide discussions on issues of national and international interest.
Education and work beyond broadcasting
Okwara has continued pursuing professional development alongside her media career.
In 2025, she announced that she had completed an Executive Master’s degree at Aga Khan University and obtained certification in sustainability. media consultancy and served on professional advisory bodies, including the advisory board of Africa Uncensored.
She has also been associated with the ENACTUS Business Advisory Council and the Bloomberg Africa Leadership Initiative Media Fellowship.
These roles have expanded her professional involvement beyond presenting news, bringing her into contact with areas such as leadership, media development and business.
A career spanning nearly two decades
Okwara’s career reflects several stages of professional growth, from early television presentation to radio production, newsroom leadership and senior broadcasting roles.
Her departure from Citizen TV in October 2026 marked the end of an eight-and-a-half-year tenure at the station. During her farewell broadcast, she thanked colleagues, mentors and viewers and indicated that she intended to pursue another professional venture.
She did not announce details of her next assignment at the time.
Her exit followed years of work across major Kenyan media organisations, including KBC, Nation Media Group, the Standard Group and Royal Media Services.
From a university graduate with a science degree to a journalist who has held editorial leadership positions and presented major current affairs programmes, Okwara has built a career across different parts of the media industry.
Her professional journey has included work behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera, combining production, research, presentation and newsroom management over nearly 20 years in media.
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