Olive Kalekye Burrows has made an indelible mark on journalism, emerging as one of Kenya’s leading media personalities. Known for her articulate presentations and insightful reporting, Olive’s rise to fame is a story of hard work, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the truth. Her journey through the media industry has garnered her respect and captured the hearts of many who follow her work.
In this Olive Burrow biography, we explore Olive’s early age, educational background, illustrious career, family life, personal relationships, and financial standing as of 2025. With each section, we aim to offer an engaging, informative, and full account of Olive Burrows’ life that will leave you inspired and captivated.
Let’s dive deeper into Olive Burrow biography and explore the key moments that have shaped her career and personal life.
Olive Burrow Biography
Olive Burrows was born and raised in Nairobi West, Kenya, and is part of a family with a rich blend of cultural heritage. Her mother, of Kamba descent, and her father, who had British and Tanzanian roots, provided her with a unique artistic background. As an only child, Olive’s upbringing was shaped by her mother after her father left the family. She has often expressed a stronger connection to her mother’s side, which has played a significant role in her identity.
Her educational journey began at Malezi Primary School in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where she developed a strong academic foundation. Olive later attended the prestigious Kenya High School, excelling in her studies despite facing significant financial challenges. When her mother lost her job, Olive’s education was supported by her relatives, whose assistance ensured she could continue her schooling. This support allowed her to pursue higher education at Daystar University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.
Olive’s career in journalism started while she was still a student at Daystar University. Her early work with publications such as Destination Magazine, True Love, and EAM highlighted her writing talent and passion for storytelling. In October 2012, she joined Capital FM News as a reporter. Her dedication and skill quickly earned her the position of associate editor, and she became a respected voice in the Kenyan media landscape.
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A defining moment in Olive’s career came in 2015 when she had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with former U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Kenya. This significant achievement made her the only Kenyan journalist to secure such an interview, further establishing her prominence in the field.
In May 2018, Olive transitioned to NTV, where she co-anchored the Weekend Edition with Dennis Okari. Her six years at NTV were marked by her professionalism and the strong connection she built with her audience. In May 2024, she announced her departure from NTV, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and relationships she cultivated there.
Shortly after leaving NTV, Olive joined Citizen TV, where she began co-hosting the Saturday and Sunday Live Primetime Show alongside the esteemed Jeff Koinange. Her move to Citizen TV signified a new chapter in her career, continuing her trajectory as one of Kenya’s most prominent journalists.
Olive Burrows Age / Olive Burrows Date of Birth
Olive Burrows was born on October 16, though her exact year of birth remains private. She keeps her age under wraps, a choice that reflects her preference for maintaining boundaries between her professional and personal life. However, she does celebrate her birthday each year on October 16, marking her as a Libra in the zodiac. While Olive may not openly share her age, her experience and accomplishments in the media industry undoubtedly reflect her expertise and maturity.
Olive Burrows Early Age and Educational Background
Olive Burrows’ early life was marked by a strong educational foundation, nurtured in Nairobi. Born into a mixed heritage, with a Kamba mother and a father of British and Tanzanian descent, Olive grew up in a diverse cultural environment. She spent her formative years in Nairobi West, attending Malezi Primary School, where she began developing her academic interests. Afterward, she moved to Kenya High School, an institution known for its academic rigor, where she excelled both in her studies and extracurricular activities. Despite facing financial challenges when her mother lost her job, Olive’s relatives played a key role in ensuring that she continued her education, even during difficult times.
Olive later pursued higher education at Daystar University, a private Christian university in Nairobi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. During her time at Daystar, Olive began to hone her skills in journalism, setting the stage for her future career. Her passion for communication and her natural talent for storytelling helped shape her into the influential journalist she is today.
Olive Burrows Career
Olive’s career in journalism began while she was still a student at Daystar University. She got her start by contributing to publications such as Destination Magazine, True Love, and East African Magazine (EAM). Olive’s early exposure to the world of journalism helped her develop a keen understanding of the industry, and her work caught the attention of several media outlets. In 2012, while still in her second year at university, she secured a role at Capital FM News, initially starting as a reporter. Her career quickly took off, and within a short time, she advanced to the position of associate editor, demonstrating her editorial prowess and leadership abilities.
One of the defining moments in Olive’s career was her exclusive interview with former U.S. President Barack Obama during his 2015 visit to Kenya. As the only Kenyan journalist granted an audience with Obama, Olive’s interview became a defining moment in her professional life. This monumental opportunity set her apart as a leading journalist in Kenya and helped raise her profile within both the national and international media circles.
Olive continued to build on this momentum when she moved to NTV in 2018, where she became a well-known face in the newsroom. She co-anchored the Weekend Edition with Dennis Okari, a show that attracted significant viewership due to its in-depth reporting and polished delivery. Olive’s versatility and engaging style led her to become one of the most prominent journalists at NTV. In 2024, she made the decision to leave NTV, after six years of contributing to the station’s success, and soon joined Citizen TV, where she co-hosts the Saturday and Sunday Live Primetime Show alongside Jeff Koinange.
Olive Burrows’ Working Relationship with Barack Obama
One of the highlights of Olive Burrows’ career was the opportunity to interview Barack Obama during his visit to Kenya in 2015. This was an exclusive interview, and Olive was the only Kenyan journalist granted the privilege of speaking with the former U.S. President during his trip to his father’s homeland. Olive’s interview was not just a professional achievement but also a personal milestone, as she had the chance to interact with one of the most influential leaders of the 21st century.
During the interview, Obama discussed several topics, including his connection to Kenya, his thoughts on the country’s future, and his vision for Africa’s growth. The interview was widely praised for its insightful questions and respectful yet probing approach, which garnered significant praise from both Kenyan and international audiences. Olive’s ability to secure this rare interview and her poised delivery during the conversation solidified her standing as one of Kenya’s top journalists.
Olive Burrows Family
Olive Burrows comes from a family with a strong background in the arts and journalism. She was raised by her mother after her father’s departure, Olive grew up in a close-knit family environment. Her mother is of Kamba descent, while her father has British and Tanzanian roots. Olive has always expressed a strong connection to her mother’s side of the family, and her upbringing was marked by both love and resilience, especially after the passing of her mother.
Olive has often spoken about the importance of her late aunt, Rita Tinina, a veteran journalist who greatly influenced her career. Rita Tinina’s legacy in the Kenyan media industry serves as a source of inspiration for Olive, who carries forward the family’s journalistic tradition. The close bond between Olive and her family has been a consistent theme throughout her life, and she has often credited her success to their unwavering support.
Rita Tinina Tribute
Rita Tinina, Olive’s aunt, was a prominent journalist whose influence on the Kenyan media landscape was deeply felt. In August 2020, Olive paid tribute to Rita, describing her as a source of immense strength and wisdom. Rita’s contributions to journalism not only shaped Olive’s career but also served as an enduring source of guidance throughout her own professional journey. Olive’s tribute to her aunt revealed the profound impact Rita had on her life, both as a mentor and as a familial figure.
Olive Burrows Personal Life
As one of Kenya’s most recognized media personalities, Olive has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. While she is open about her professional achievements, Olive has kept her romantic life under wraps. There have been no public reports confirming her marital status, and she has not shared any details about a significant other or potential spouse. Olive tends to focus on her work and family, keeping her personal relationships out of the public eye.
Her decision to keep her personal life private has allowed her to remain focused on her career without the distractions that often come with fame. Despite the lack of publicly available information on her romantic relationships, Olive remains a beloved figure, known for her professionalism, dedication, and integrity.
Olive Burrows Net Worth
As of 2025, Olive Burrows’ net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000. This is based on her extensive career in journalism, her influential role at Capital FM, NTV, and Citizen TV, as well as her freelance work with major publications. Olive’s net worth is also bolstered by her presence in various media and her recognition as one of Kenya’s leading news anchors. While the exact figure may fluctuate, it is clear that Olive has built a successful and financially rewarding career in the media industry.
Conclusion: Olive Burrow Biography
Olive Kalekye Burrows has undeniably left a lasting mark on Kenya’s media landscape. From her beginnings as a student contributing to magazines to her exclusive interview with Barack Obama, Olive’s career trajectory reflects hard work, passion, and commitment to the journalistic craft. Her rise to prominence serves as an inspiration for many aspiring journalists, showing that with persistence and dedication, great things are possible. With her continued presence in media and her influence both at home and abroad, Olive Burrows’ journey is one worth following.
For a more in-depth look at Olive Burrow biography and career, you can watch the following video:
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