Yvonne Okwara Buliba Matole is one of Kenya’s most respected and influential broadcast journalists, best known for her calm authority on screen, incisive analysis, and leadership in mainstream media. She is a prime-time news anchor and senior editor at Citizen TV, where she also hosts impactful segments and moderates national conversations.
Early Life & Family Background
Yvonne Okwara was born on 16 March 1983 in Nairobi, Kenya. She grew up in a supportive family that helped shape her strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. Yvonne is the last born of three siblings, raised by her mother, Esther Ambale Sande; details about her father are not widely publicized.
A defining part of her early life was caring for her older brother, Albert Okwara, who lived with a disability (deaf-blind) and passed away in 2018. This experience profoundly influenced Yvonne’s empathy, advocacy for inclusivity, and understanding of societal challenges.
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Age, Tribe & Cultural Identity
As of 2025, Yvonne Okwara is 42 years old (born 16 March 1983). She hails from the Luhya tribe, specifically linked to the Abanyala sub-tribe, an ethnic group from Western Kenya known for its rich cultural heritage.
Yvonne’s multicultural upbringing in urban Nairobi combined with her Western Kenyan roots has shaped her perspective and helped her connect with diverse audiences nationwide.
Education & Early Interests
Yvonne’s academic journey began at All Saints Cathedral Primary School and continued at Kianda High School, where she excelled early in her academics. She later joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, demonstrating her strong academic foundation and versatility.
Although her degree was in science, Yvonne’s interest in communication and media was apparent early — starting with her first professional foray into broadcasting at the age of 10, when she hosted a children’s show on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
She also later completed the Bloomberg/Africa Leadership Initiative Media Fellowship, enhancing her leadership and journalistic skills.
Career: From Child Host to Media Leader
Yvonne’s journey into professional media started modestly but quickly gained momentum:
- Early Roles: Her first job was on KBC’s children’s variety shows, where she learned early lessons about audience engagement.
- Radio and Voice Work: She transitioned to radio talk show production at QFM and provided voice-over work for television, honing her broadcast skills.
- Nation Media Group: Yvonne further built her experience at the Nation Media Group, working with QFM, QTV, and roles behind and in front of the camera before moving into more prominent positions.
- Rise at KTN: Her big break came with a key role at KTN, where she became a recognizable face and respected anchor, hosting shows and moderating debates on critical national issues.
- Citizen TV Leadership: In 2018, she joined Citizen TV (Royal Media Services), where she anchors prime-time news, leads editorial research, and influences the station’s news strategy. Her segment The Explainer is widely praised for breaking down complex topics into accessible insights.
Throughout her career, Yvonne has moderated major national discussions and engaged with public figures, experts, and policymakers, making her voice a trusted one in Kenyan media.
Personal Life: Husband & Family
Yvonne Okwara’s husband is Dr. Andrew Matole Konde, a veterinary surgeon. The couple met under charming circumstances at his clinic after Yvonne took her sick pet for treatment — a meeting that eventually led to love and marriage in a private ceremony on 6 December 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Nairobi.
Although there is a significant age difference between them (her husband is approximately 16 years older), Yvonne has openly said it has never negatively affected their relationship, describing him as her “best friend and strongest supporter.”
Details about any children are not publicly confirmed; Yvonne has been private about this aspect of her family life.
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Lifestyle, Interests & Public Image
Yvonne’s lifestyle reflects calm professionalism, integrity, and thoughtful success rather than flamboyant displays. She owns a beautiful countryside home often referred to as her “retirement house,” surrounded by serene gardens and natural landscapes — a space she shares as part of her personal life glimpses.
Despite her high profile, Yvonne maintains a private approach to her personal life, resisting public pressure around her family and personal choices, such as decisions around having children.
She has also been active in advocacy around inclusivity and mental health awareness, shaped in large part by her experiences caring for her disabled brother.
Her presence in media combines polish and purpose — earning her respect from colleagues and audiences alike.
Net Worth, Salary & Financial Success
Yvonne Okwara is considered one of the top earners in Kenyan media. Reports suggest her monthly salary ranges between KSh 600,000 and KSh 900,000 as a senior anchor and editor at Citizen TV, reflecting her experience and leadership role.
Estimates of her net worth vary depending on source, with some industry analysts placing it at around KES 40 million (approx. USD 300,000), while others suggest higher figures nearing KES 96 million (approximately USD 800,000) due to her extensive media influence, speaking engagements, and brand collaborations.
Her wealth primarily comes from her journalism career, event moderation, corporate partnerships, and media consulting.
Key Traits & Influence
Yvonne is widely seen as a role model for young journalists, especially women, combining academic rigor, media savvy, and ethical leadership. She is often invited to moderate corporate forums and national discussions, further amplifying her impact beyond television screens.
Her reputation is built on responsible journalism, integrity, and the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and respect — qualities that have made her a trusted voice in Kenya’s media space.
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Summary of Key Facts
- Full Name: Yvonne Buliba Okwara Matole
- Date of Birth / Age: 16 March 1983 (42 as of 2025)
- Tribe: Luhya (Abanyala sub-tribe)
- Education: BSc Microbiology (JKUAT); Bloomberg/Africa Leadership Initiative Media Fellowship
- Career: Senior news anchor, editor, and moderator at Citizen TV
- Husband: Dr. Andrew Matole Konde (veterinary surgeon)
- Children: Private / not publicly confirmed
- Net Worth: Estimated KES 40M–96M (approx. $300K–$800K)
- Salary: Approx. KSh 600,000–900,000 monthly
- Public Image: Respected journalist, role model, advocate for inclusion and mental health
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