By the 254.ke Newsroom
Veteran broadcaster Yvonne Okwara has left Citizen TV after eight and a half years, announcing her exit on air during the final edition of The Explainer on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. She has not named her next move. Reports published on October 28 describe the departure as the close of a career of nearly two decades in journalism.
What did Yvonne Okwara say in her farewell?
According to Pulse Kenya, Okwara spoke from her “Yvonne’s Take” desk, thanked mentors and colleagues, and said that after 20 years of building one ship it was time to build another. She urged journalists and viewers to keep asking hard questions and holding power to account, then signed off with “Good night.”
She also thanked her family, the Citizen TV newsroom and the production crew, including photojournalists, drivers and make-up artists, the Pulse report says.
Is she retiring from journalism?
That is where the early reports differ. Ghafla! headlines the story as a retirement from journalism. Pulse and Biznakenya, by contrast, describe her as moving on to a new project or opportunity beyond the newsroom, without giving details. Neither Okwara nor Citizen TV’s parent company, Royal Media Services, had publicly confirmed a next role in the reports reviewed. Ghafla! carries a related-story headline about a regional role, but the story itself could not be verified.
Key facts at a glance
- Last appearance: final edition of The Explainer, Tuesday, October 27, 2026 (Pulse Kenya, Biznakenya).
- Time at Citizen TV: about eight and a half years, from 2018, when she joined as a prime-time news anchor (Biznakenya).
- Later roles: senior news anchor and editor in charge of research and planning (Biznakenya); Ghafla! lists her last titles as senior news anchor and business editor.
- Earlier career: KTN from 2012 on a five-year contract, after earlier radio and television work at outlets including QFM and Nation Media Group (Biznakenya, Ghafla!).
- Reason for leaving: not stated in any of the reports.
- Next move: not disclosed.
Who has she interviewed?
Biznakenya lists President William Ruto, Cabinet secretaries and UN Secretary-General António Guterres among her interviewees. Pulse reports that she helped establish News Gang, the Thursday-night political and current affairs show on the station.
Her departure comes as Kenya’s political season heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, a period in which prime-time political interviews carry extra weight for audiences. For context on the coverage battle already under way, see our report on the IEBC livestream bill and the proposal to scrap the results stream, and our earlier coverage of press-freedom concerns in Kenya.
What happens next?
Citizen TV had not, in the reports reviewed, announced who would take over her slots. Okwara’s own words point to a new venture rather than a rest. Readers can follow the original coverage at Kenyans.co.ke. This story will be updated as confirmed details emerge.
FAQ
When did Yvonne Okwara leave Citizen TV?
She announced her exit on the final edition of The Explainer on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and the news was reported on October 28.
How long was Okwara at Citizen TV?
About eight and a half years. Biznakenya says she joined in 2018 as a prime-time news anchor.
Why did she leave?
No reason has been given. She said it was time to start a new project after 20 years in the industry.
Where will she go next?
She has not said. Reports differ on whether she is leaving journalism entirely or starting a new venture.
