Yvonne Okwara Matole, a veteran Kenyan journalist and communications professional, has been appointed Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, a London-based organisation using media and storytelling to advance youth health and social change. 

The appointment, announced on 28 October 2026, follows her departure from Citizen TV, where she worked for more than eight years as a senior news anchor and Business Editor. She announced her exit on 27 October during her final appearance on The Explainer. 

At Shuga Global, formerly the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Okwara will lead efforts to build strategic partnerships, attract investment, mobilise resources and diversify funding beyond traditional grants as the organisation expands internationally. 

Okwara brings nearly two decades of broadcast journalism experience to the role. She joined Citizen TV in May 2018 after a five-and-a-half-year stint at KTN News, where she held senior editorial and strategic positions, including Head of Anchors and Head of News Strategy. 

Her career also includes work at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Hot 96FM and Nation Media Group. She has moderated Kenya’s presidential debates in 2017 and 2022 and held advisory and board roles with organisations including ICRW Africa and Africa Uncensored. 

Despite her scientific academic background, Okwara pursued a career in media after earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She later completed executive studies in media leadership and innovation at Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications.