Olive Kalekye Burrows is one of Kenya’s most respected broadcast journalists — calm, composed and known for incisive interviews and polished delivery.
Over the last decade she moved from magazine and radio writing into prime-time television, building a reputation for thoughtful reporting and high-profile interviews that put her on the national stage.
Early life and education
Olive Burrows grew up in Nairobi and comes from a mixed background: her mother was from the Kamba community while her father has British and Tanzanian roots. She is often described as an only child who was raised in Nairobi West. For school she attended Malezi Primary in Lang’ata and later the prestigious Kenya High School. Burrows went on to study communications at Daystar University, where she began getting experience writing for campus and local magazines — a formative step toward her journalism career.
How her career began
Burrows’ early work was in print and radio. While still a student she contributed to magazines and later served as an attaché at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). She then moved into editorial roles and entertainment writing, with bylines in publications such as Destination Magazine and True Love. Her transition to radio and then mainstream broadcast news followed, as she took roles that steadily increased her profile and responsibilities.
Breakthrough: Capital FM and the Obama interview
A major turning point for Olive came while at Capital FM — she rose through the ranks to an editorial role and, notably, secured an exclusive interview with former US President Barack Obama during his 2015 visit to Kenya. That interview elevated her national profile and is frequently cited as one of her career’s defining moments.
Television: NTV to Citizen TV
In 2018 Burrows made the move to television, joining NTV’s prime-time news team where she co-anchored major bulletins and hosted shows such as morning and weekend editions. Her on-screen chemistry with colleagues and steady on-air presence made her a familiar face in Kenyan homes. In a high-profile move in 2024, Olive officially joined Royal Media Services’ Citizen TV weekend anchoring team (debuting on June 1, 2024), co-hosting Sunday Live alongside Jeff Koinange. That transition marked her arrival at one of Kenya’s largest television platforms.
Interview style & notable conversations
Olive is known for a composed, conversational interview style that encourages candor while holding interviewees to account. Beyond President Obama, she has interviewed other international and regional leaders and influencers, such as UN officials and development figures, which has broadened her reputation from a local newsreader to a journalist capable of handling global issues in a Kenyan context.
Public image, persona & social media
Off camera, Olive is frequently described as warm but private. She keeps her personal life out of the headlines, focusing public attention on her journalism. Her Instagram and public profiles show a mix of professional shots, behind-the-scenes moments and lifestyle posts. Media profiles note she celebrates her birthday on October 16 (year not publicly confirmed) and that she enjoys reading and good food in her downtime.
Misinformation & fact-checking
Like many public figures, Olive Burrows has been the target of manipulated images circulating online. Fact-checking outlets have debunked doctored images claiming political affiliations or altered outfits; this is a reminder to verify viral posts before sharing.
Why Olive Burrows matters
Olive’s career illustrates how persistent, careful journalism combined with cross-platform skills (print, radio, TV) can lead to national influence. Her high-profile interviews and moves between major Kenyan media houses underscore the reach and responsibility that come with visible broadcast roles.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Who is Olive Burrows?
A: Olive Kalekye Burrows is a Kenyan journalist and news anchor known for her radio and television work and for interviewing high-profile figures.
Q2: Where did Olive Burrows study journalism?
A: She attended Daystar University where she studied communication and began her journalism journey.
Q3: Did Olive Burrows interview Barack Obama?
A: Yes — while at Capital FM she secured an interview with former U.S. President Barack Obama during his 2015 visit, a career milestone often referenced in profiles.
Q4: Which TV station does Olive Burrows currently work for?
A: She joined Citizen TV’s Weekend team and began appearing on the Citizen Weekend/Sunday Live line-up in June 2024.
Q5: Is Olive Burrows married?
A: Olive keeps her personal life private; media profiles report she is single and prefers to focus on her career.
Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.
Q6: How can I follow Olive Burrows?
A: Olive is active on social platforms such as Instagram, where she posts professional and lifestyle updates.
Conclusion
Olive Burrows’ biography is a story of steady professional growth — from campus contributor and radio writer to an anchor trusted with some of Kenya’s most visible broadcast responsibilities.
Her calm interviewing manner, combined with experience across print, radio and television, has earned her a reputation as a journalist who blends poise with accountability. As she continues with Citizen TV, expect more incisive conversations and a continued presence in Kenya’s media landscape.