Veteran journalist Yvonne Okwara has ended her eight-year career at Citizen TV, bringing her 20-year journalism journey to a close. In her final broadcast, she paid tribute to colleagues, mentors, and viewers while hinting at a new professional chapter.
In an emotional farewell on October 27, Okwara reflected on a journalism journey that began shortly after she graduated with a degree in microbiology, then switched careers and joined the media industry.
She said her first break came at Hot 96, where she started building a reputation that would eventually make her one of Kenya’s most recognisable television journalists.
Speaking during her sign-off, Okwara credited several individuals who helped shape her career, beginning with media personality Jimmy Gathu, whom she described as the person who opened the door to journalism for her.
“He taught me curiosity. He taught me to respect the audience. He taught me that every story matters,” she said.
Okwara also paid tribute to senior media figures who played key roles in her professional growth, including Joe Ageyo, Sam Shollei, Munira Mohammed and Emmanuel Talam.
She said each contributed lessons and opportunities that helped shape her career in the newsroom.
Tribute to Colleagues and News Gang
Okwara used the occasion to thank the Citizen TV newsroom, describing it as the best team in the business.
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She acknowledged the contribution of reporters, editors, producers, camera operators, drivers, administrators, makeup artists and technical staff, saying their work made every news broadcast possible.
According to Okwara, television journalism depends on the dedication of many professionals working behind the scenes.
She also reflected on her role in the popular current affairs programme News Gang, which became one of the country’s most influential political discussion platforms.
Okwara said the programme provided space for informed and nuanced conversations on issues affecting Kenyans and helped strengthen public discourse on governance and accountability.
“To my News Gang family, Linus Kaikai, Jamila Mohammed, Joe Ageyo and Sam Gituku, thank you for the conversations, the debates, the disagreements, the laughter and the commitment to getting it right,” she said.
She said the show demonstrated the value of informed debate in a rapidly changing media environment and allowed journalists to examine complex national issues beyond daily headlines.
According to Okwara, the discussions helped audiences engage with governance, policy and accountability matters from multiple perspectives.
She noted that teamwork, professionalism, and a shared commitment to public interest journalism made the programme’s success possible.
The broadcaster further recognised the support she received from Royal Media Services management, including Managing Director Wachira Waruru and Chairman Dr S.K. Macharia, saying they provided an environment that enabled her to grow professionally.
She added that she remained grateful for the opportunities she received and the trust employers, colleagues, and audiences placed in her.
Yvonne Okwara on Her Future Endeavours
While announcing her departure, Yvonne Okwara made it clear that the move does not mark the end of her professional journey.
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Instead, she indicated that she is preparing for a new chapter.
“After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another,” she said.
As she closed her final broadcast, Okwara thanked viewers who followed her work throughout her career and supported her across different media platforms.
She urged Kenyans to continue asking difficult questions, holding leaders accountable and demanding better governance.
Yvonne said citizens should remain actively engaged in public affairs and continue believing in the country’s future despite the challenges it faces.
“Keep asking questions. Keep demanding better. Keep holding us accountable. Keep holding those in power accountable. And above all, keep believing in this country,” she concluded.
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