Early Life and Family Background
Olive Burrows was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. She comes from a mixed heritage, with her mother being from the Kamba tribe and her father having British and Tanzanian roots. Olive’s upbringing was largely shaped by her mother, who played the primary parenting role after her father left the family when she was still a child. As an only child, Olive shared a close bond with her mother and was also deeply influenced by her extended family, especially her late aunt, the veteran Kenyan journalist Rita Tinina. Tinina’s career in media left a significant impression on Olive, inspiring her own pursuit of journalism.
Despite facing some hardships, especially after her mother lost her job, Olive’s extended family stepped in to support her. Their assistance enabled her to continue her education, eventually setting the foundation for her success in media. Her strong family values, instilled by her mother and her supportive relatives, have remained a guiding force in both her personal and professional life.
Education and Academic Journey
Olive’s education began at Malezi Primary School in Lang’ata, Nairobi. From a young age, she demonstrated a love for reading and a curiosity about the world, qualities that would later define her career in journalism. After completing primary school, she joined the prestigious Kenya High School, one of the top-performing girls’ schools in the country. Despite the financial challenges her family faced, Olive remained focused on her academic goals.
Her academic journey continued at Daystar University, a private Christian institution in Kenya known for its communication programs. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. While at university, Olive honed her skills in writing, reporting, and broadcasting. She also contributed to various publications, including Destination Magazine and True Love Magazine, where she demonstrated her flair for storytelling and engaging narratives.
Read Also: Elon Reeve Musk: Get the Full Story of This Technological Architect
Rise in Journalism and Career Beginnings
Olive Burrows’ professional career began at Capital FM, one of Kenya’s leading media houses. She joined the station in 2012 as a news reporter. Her strong work ethic, articulate delivery, and ability to connect with the audience quickly earned her respect within the newsroom. She was later promoted to associate editor, a testament to her leadership and editorial skills.
Her big break came in 2015 when she conducted an exclusive interview with then-U.S. President Barack Obama during his historic visit to Kenya. Olive was the only Kenyan journalist selected for this one-on-one interview, a career-defining moment that elevated her to national prominence. Her composure, intelligent questioning, and calm demeanor during the interview showcased her as a journalist of international calibre.
Transition to Television at NTV
In 2018, Olive made a significant career move by joining Nation Media Group’s television station, NTV. There, she was paired with Dennis Okari to anchor the prime-time news segment. The duo’s on-screen chemistry captivated audiences and sparked public curiosity, with many speculating about a possible romantic relationship. However, Olive maintained that their bond was purely professional and based on mutual respect.
At NTV, Olive continued to demonstrate her journalistic strength. She covered a wide range of stories, from politics and business to human interest features. Her calm presence, authoritative voice, and commitment to factual reporting made her one of the most trusted news anchors in Kenya. She also became known for her in-depth interviews with prominent personalities and her ability to handle complex stories with clarity and nuance.
Joining Citizen TV and Stepping into the Spotlight
In May 2024, Olive Burrows joined Citizen TV, one of the most watched television stations in Kenya. Her move came after veteran news anchor Victoria Rubadiri left the station to take up a new role at CNN. Olive was brought in as her replacement and now co-hosts the Saturday and Sunday prime-time news broadcasts alongside Jeff Koinange.
Her transition to Citizen TV was widely applauded by viewers and media professionals alike. It marked a new chapter in her career and confirmed her status as one of the top-tier journalists in the country. The pairing with Jeff Koinange, a seasoned media personality, further raised her profile and allowed her to reach an even broader audience.
At Citizen TV, Olive has continued her tradition of excellence. Her presentation is characterized by poise, clarity, and a deep understanding of the issues she covers. She has become a role model for many aspiring journalists, particularly young women seeking to make a mark in the media industry.
Read Also: Pope Francis legacy: Impact, Achievements, and a Modern Papacy
Personal Life and Public Image
Despite her high-profile career, Olive Burrows has managed to keep her personal life private. She is known for her quiet and reserved nature, rarely discussing her relationships or private matters in public. As of now, she is single and has no children. Over the years, there have been persistent rumors about her relationship with Dennis Okari, but she has consistently denied any romantic involvement, emphasizing their professional connection.
Olive’s choice to maintain a low profile outside of work has earned her respect. In an industry often fueled by gossip and sensationalism, her ability to separate her public and private lives is refreshing. She presents herself with dignity and professionalism, both on and off camera.
Lifestyle, Hobbies, and Personal Interests
Away from the spotlight, Olive Burrows is a voracious reader with a keen interest in literature and current affairs. She often mentions authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Malcolm Gladwell, and Khaled Hosseini as her favorites. Reading is not just a hobby but a way for her to unwind and remain informed about global perspectives.
She also enjoys cooking and describes herself as a “foodie.” Her favorite meals include chips and chicken, and she often experiments with different recipes in her kitchen. When she needs to recharge, Olive prefers quiet getaways and nature retreats. One of her favorite destinations is Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Forest, a peaceful sanctuary that allows her to disconnect from the demands of work.
Additionally, she has expressed a desire to explore more of Africa’s cultural heritage. Destinations like Lamu and Zanzibar are on her travel bucket list, reflecting her love for history, architecture, and traditional ways of life.
Tribal Identity and Cultural Roots
Olive identifies with the Kamba community, one of Kenya’s major ethnic groups. Her mother’s influence and upbringing played a critical role in shaping her identity. The Kamba people are known for their resilience, adaptability, and strong community bonds—all values that Olive embodies in her professional conduct.
Though she has mixed heritage through her father, Olive has remained closely tied to her maternal lineage. Her roots in the Kamba culture have given her a grounded perspective and a strong sense of belonging. This cultural awareness also informs her journalistic approach, particularly when telling stories about marginalized communities or underreported issues.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2025, Olive Burrows is estimated to have a net worth between $100,000 and $500,000. Her income primarily comes from her work as a journalist and news anchor, with additional earnings from freelance writing and possible brand endorsements. While she does not flaunt her wealth, Olive leads a comfortable lifestyle and appears to prioritize financial responsibility and long-term stability.
Her rise through the ranks—from a print media contributor to a prime-time television anchor—demonstrates not only her talent but also her ability to manage her career effectively. Her story is a testament to what dedication, discipline, and integrity can achieve in the highly competitive media industry.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Olive Burrows’ journey from a young girl raised by a single mother to one of Kenya’s leading broadcast journalists is both inspiring and instructive. She has built a career based on trust, accuracy, and professionalism. Her achievements are even more significant in a landscape where many female journalists struggle with visibility and credibility.
As she continues her role at Citizen TV, Olive shows no signs of slowing down. Her influence in the media continues to grow, and she remains an important voice in shaping public discourse in Kenya. Whether through hard news, feature interviews, or community-focused stories, Olive Burrows continues to set the standard for what it means to be a journalist in today’s world.
Read Also: Biography of Kamala Harris
