What Is Shuga Global? Inside The Organisation That Hired Yvonne Okwara After Citizen Tv Exit
Yvonne Okwara recently landed a new job as the Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global, barely a day after she made her final broadcast on Citizen TV.
Okwara left Citizen on October 27 after working at the station for more than eight years.
Shuga Global is an educational entertainment company that was formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
Its operations include the production and distribution of video, audio, and digital content.
You may remember Shuga as the company behind the popular MTV Shuga drama series that aired in Kenya in 2009 before expanding to South Africa, Nigeria, and India.
Currently, its productions are broadcast in 40 African countries.
The MTV Shuga series featured popular Kenyan actresses like Lupita Nyong’o, who played Ayira, and singer Avril Nyambura.
Other actors like Nick Mutuma and Brenda Wairimu have also featured in earlier editions of the franchise.
The organization uses entertainment to educate young people about various issues that affect their lives, such as relationships and mental well-being.
Shuga’s most recent production in Kenya was the MTV Shuga Mashariki, which featured Kenyan performers like Serah Wanjiru, Matthew Ngotho and Basil Mungai.
The first season of the series recorded over 5 million views. The second season was aired on Citizen TV and surpassed over 8 million views on YouTube.
The organization has also worked with Shujaaz Inc on Surround Sound Kenya on a five-year project aimed at youth empowerment.
Shuga Global’s rebranding from Staying Alive Foundation happened on 16th April 2026 during a launch that was held at KOFISI Square in Nairobi.
The rebranding followed the conclusion of the company’s partnership with the entertainment behemoth Paramount at the end of March 2026.
During the launch, Shuga Global introduced a new project called the Mashariki Offscript Podcast.
The podcast will be hosted by Makena Kahuha and former Kiss FM presenter Muchina Maloba, with the episodes being aired on Spotify, YouTube, as well as other digital platforms.
It featured a series of conversations with youths from the University of Nairobi, Egerton University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
When announcing Okwara’s appointment, Shuga described her as a seasoned communications professional who has experience in TV journalism and corporate communications.
“As Shuga Global rebrands and expands its worldwide reach, Yvonne will leverage her expertise in business, policy, and social impact to build strategic relationships, unlock funding, and mobilize resources,” Shuga Global stated.
Okwara’s new role will entail building strategic partnerships, attracting investors, and mobilising resources to support Shuga’s programs.
The Kianda High School alumnus will work with charitable foundations, international development organisations, businesses interested in social-impact projects and public institutions.
Okwara, whom some people had nicknamed the queen of political interviews, announced her departure from Citizen during her final appearance on The Explainer on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she graduated in 2006.
The Editorial Director of Royal Media Services, Mr Linus Kaikai, stated that Okwara’s exit from Citizen was one of the toughest exits he had handled.
