Olive Burrows Biography: Olive Burrows is a Kenyan media personality synonymous with credibility, sharp reporting, and professional integrity. As of 2025, Olive continues to be one of Kenya’s leading journalists, making significant strides in television and digital media. With an impressive net worth estimated between $100,000 and $400,000, Olive’s career has been marked by relentless dedication, passion for journalism, and a deep commitment to truth in reporting.
Throughout her career, Olive has interviewed influential figures, anchored primetime news shows, and contributed significantly to shaping the media landscape in Kenya. In this biography, we’ll explore Olive Burrows’ early life, education, career, personal interests, net worth, and much more, offering a comprehensive look at the life of one of Kenya’s top news anchors.
Early Life and Background: Olive Burrows’ Formative Years
Born on October 16 in Nairobi West, Kenya, Olive Kalekye Burrows grew up in a multicultural environment. She is of mixed heritage, with her mother from the Kamba community and her father having British and Tanzanian roots. Olive was raised in Nairobi as an only child, where she spent most of her childhood.
Education and Challenges
Olive’s educational journey started at Malezi Primary School in Lang’ata, Nairobi, and later, she attended Kenya High School, a prestigious institution known for academic excellence. Despite financial hardships, Olive’s family and extended relatives supported her education, enabling her to complete her studies and pursue higher education.
She later enrolled at Daystar University in Nairobi, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Daystar University provided Olive with a solid academic foundation, equipping her with the skills necessary for a successful career in journalism. During her time at university, Olive’s passion for media and storytelling began to crystallize, and she actively sought out opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry.
Olive Burrows’ Early Career: From Student to Media Personality
Olive Burrows’ career in journalism started early, even before completing her degree. While in her second year at university, Olive decided to gain hands-on experience in the media industry. This determination led her to take up roles in entertainment writing and reporting for several notable publications, including:
- E-Girl
- Destination Magazine
- True Love
- East African Magazine (EAM)
During this period, Olive’s writing skills flourished, and she honed her ability to craft compelling stories. These early years of writing and reporting gave her the confidence to move forward in her media career.
In September 2007, Olive completed an internship at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), which proved to be a pivotal moment in her career. The internship exposed her to the inner workings of a national broadcaster, and Olive’s skills in news reporting and production were quickly noticed.
While at Daystar University, Olive also worked as a producer for Shine FM, a student-run radio station, which allowed her to gain practical broadcasting experience. Her time at KBC and Shine FM laid the groundwork for Olive’s future success in the media industry.
Climbing the Ranks: Olive Burrows’ Journey to Prominence
After completing her education, Olive Burrows’ career began to gain momentum. She joined Nation Media Group (NMG) as a reporter, contributing to the group’s publications. Her experience at NMG helped her build a strong professional network, and Olive quickly became known for her sharp journalistic instincts.
In 2012, Olive decided to join Capital FM, one of Kenya’s leading radio stations. At Capital FM, Olive’s skills were tested as she took on roles as a reporter and later as associate editor. However, it wasn’t just her reporting skills that stood out; Olive’s exclusive interview with former U.S. President Obama during his 2015 visit to Kenya marked a defining moment in her career. The interview received significant local and international attention, cementing Olive’s status as a prominent journalist in the region.
Her tenure at Capital FM was marked by growing recognition. She continued to enhance her skills, proving herself as one of Kenya’s most respected media personalities.
A Major Career Move: Transition to NTV Kenya
2018 Olive Burrows made another significant career move when she joined NTV Kenya. Here, she co-anchored the NTV Weekend Edition alongside Dennis Okari, a fellow respected journalist. The two were widely regarded as Kenya’s most dynamic media duo, and their on-screen chemistry resonated deeply with audiences.
While there was speculation about their relationship, Olive quickly clarified that their connection was purely professional. She and Dennis shared a strong working relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering quality journalism.
At NTV, Olive had the opportunity to broaden her horizons, covering a wide range of topics, including local politics, international relations, and humanitarian issues. Her professionalism and calm demeanor in front of the camera further solidified her position as a respected Kenyan media figure.
Olive Burrows’ Big Break: Joining Citizen TV
In 2024, Olive made another career-defining move by joining Citizen TV, one of Kenya’s largest television stations. She succeeded Victoria Rubadiri as co-anchor for the Sunday Live primetime news show. Olive expressed her excitement about the new role, highlighting her commitment to upholding the standards of high-quality journalism while providing a Kenyan perspective on global events.
Citizen TV is known for its strong focus on unbiased, comprehensive news coverage, and Olive’s joining the station marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Her ability to connect with viewers and engaging interviewing style made her an ideal fit for the station’s flagship news show.
Her transition to Citizen TV was seamless, and she quickly became a fan favorite due to her ability to tackle complex issues with clarity, insight, and professionalism.
Noteworthy Interviews and Achievements
Olive Burrows is known for her exceptional interviewing skills and ability to engage with world leaders and high-profile personalities. Some of her most notable interviews include:
- Former U.S. President Barack Obama: Olive’s exclusive interview during Obama’s 2015 visit to Kenya was one of her most outstanding career achievements.
- Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta: Olive interviewed the former president multiple times, offering valuable insights into Kenyan politics.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Olive’s interview with Guterres highlighted global issues and Kenya’s role in international diplomacy.
- John Kerry: The former U.S. Secretary of State spoke with Olive about various international affairs and Kenyan-U.S. relations.
- Melinda Gates: Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates provided Olive with essential insights into global health and philanthropy.
These interviews, among others, illustrate Olive’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and her commitment to insightful, fair, and impactful journalism.
Olive Burrows’ Personal Life and Interests
Though Olive Burrows is known for being private about her personal life, she occasionally shares her hobbies and interests with her audience. Olive enjoys reading and lists authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Malcolm Gladwell, and Khaled Hosseini as some of her favorites. Her love for literature is evident in her thoughtful approach to storytelling, which enhances her journalism work.
In addition to reading, Olive enjoys culinary experiences, especially dishes like chips and chicken. She has also expressed a passion for traveling, with Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Forest being one of her favorite places. The serene environment of Kakamega Forest provides her with a peaceful escape from her demanding career.
Social Media Influence: Olive Burrows Biography
Olive Burrows maintains a strong presence on social media, connecting with her followers and sharing personal insights, career updates, and motivational messages. Her Instagram account (@oliveburrows) boasts over 38,000 followers, and she often shares her professional experiences and personal reflections there.
She is also active on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @OBurrows, where she engages with a broad audience and contributes to discussions on current events, politics, and media.
Her transparent and relatable approach on social media has helped Olive connect with fans and peers alike, solidifying her role as a leading media influencer in Kenya.
Olive Burrows’ Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Olive Burrows’ estimated net worth ranges from $100,000 to $400,000. Her wealth is derived from her various roles in the media industry, including her position as a news anchor at Citizen TV, her previous role at NTV Kenya, her successful interviews, and her growing social media influence. Olive has also earned income through sponsorship deals, brand endorsements, and public speaking engagements.
Her financial success is a direct result of her hard work and dedication to her craft. Olive remains a respected figure in Kenyan media, and her net worth is expected to grow as her career expands.
Legacy and Impact on Kenyan Journalism
Olive Burrows has become a trailblazer in Kenyan journalism, inspiring the next generation of media professionals. Her journey from a young writer to a leading news anchor is a powerful example of what determination, passion, and talent can achieve.
Olive’s career continues to evolve, and as a trusted journalist, she is shaping the future of media in Kenya. Through her work, Olive has proven that journalism is not just about reporting the facts—it’s about telling stories that matter, creating meaningful dialogues, and holding power to account.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Olive Burrows
Olive Burrows’ journey from a young aspiring journalist to one of Kenya’s most respected news anchors is a testament to her passion and dedication to journalism. Her ability to engage with world leaders, deliver insightful interviews, and provide in-depth coverage of significant events has earned her a place in Kenyan media’s forefront.
With an estimated net worth of $100,000 to $400,000 in 2025, Olive’s influence continues growing, and her industry legacy is solidified. As she continues to deliver quality journalism at Citizen TV, Olive Burrows remains a key figure in shaping the future of Kenyan media.
Call to Action (CTA)
If Olive Burrows’ journey inspires you and you want to follow her career, be sure to connect with her on social media platforms like Instagram (@oliveburrows) and X (Twitter) (@OBurrows). Stay updated on her latest work and continue to support Olive as she paves the way for future generations of journalists. Share this biography with your friends and family to inspire others with Olive’s incredible story.
