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Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita will leave the media company on November 1, 2026, seven months after his substantive appointment. He will also relinquish his position as an Executive Director, with the company yet to disclose the reason for his departure.
The company announced the planned exit in a notice signed by Company Secretary Catherine Kawira on behalf of the Board of Directors. The board thanked Mwita for his service and contributions to the organisation.
“The Board takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to Mr Chaacha for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the Company,” the statement read. Standard Group has not announced who will succeed him.
Mwita’s Tenure as CEO
Mwita became Standard Group’s substantive CEO on April 1, 2026, after serving as Acting CEO from July 1, 2025. His acting appointment followed the departure of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, who resigned effective June 30, 2025, after approximately one year in the role.
His planned departure adds to a series of leadership changes at the media company. The latest announcement leaves questions about the executive transition and the board’s plans for the top position.
The company has not provided further details explaining Mwita’s decision to leave. His exit comes as Standard Group continues to face financial and operational challenges.
Standard Group Announces Board Changes
Mwita’s planned departure follows changes involving other members of the company’s board. On October 12, Standard Group announced that Non-Executive Directors Edward Mwasi and Dr James McFie had resigned, effective August 31, 2026.
The company subsequently appointed Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo and Elishah Njeru as Independent Non-Executive Directors. Their appointments took effect on October 15, 2026.
The changes represent a significant period of leadership adjustments within the listed media company. However, Standard Group has not indicated whether the appointments are directly connected to Mwita’s departure.
Financial Challenges Facing Standard Group
Standard Group has been dealing with financial difficulties, including losses and challenges in securing additional capital. Its proposed rights issue of approximately KSh1.5 billion has been suspended.
The company has also faced outstanding government advertising payments, which have affected cash flow across parts of the media industry. Such financial pressures have increased attention on the group’s operations and its plans for sustainability.
Based along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, Standard Group operates several established media platforms. Its portfolio includes The Standard newspaper, KTN Television and Radio Maisha.
The company’s next steps will include addressing the leadership transition and communicating any succession plans. Until an appointment is announced, the identity of Mwita’s replacement remains unknown.
Changes Across Kenya’s Media Industry
Standard Group’s leadership developments come amid organisational changes at other major media companies. Nation Media Group recently announced several editorial appointments affecting its operations in Kenya and Uganda.
Joe Ageyo was appointed Editor-in-Chief of Nation Media Group’s Ugandan operations, while Washington Gikunju became Acting Managing Editor in Uganda. Harry Misiko was also named Acting Editor-in-Chief in Kenya as part of the wider changes.
The developments highlight ongoing adjustments in leadership structures across Kenya’s media sector. Standard Group has yet to announce its next chief executive ahead of Mwita’s scheduled departure on November 1.
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