Chaacha Mwita resigns as Standard Group chief executive in board shake-up

The Standard Group has announced the resignation of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Chaacha Mwita, effective November 1, 2026. This change in leadership is accompanied by new appointments to the company’s board. Mwita stepped down from both his position as chief executive and executive director, though the board did not provide a reason for his departure or name a successor.

The announcement was made on October 30, 2026, by Company Secretary Catherine Kawira and did not include a statement on Mwita's replacement or timeline. The Standard Group, listed in Nairobi, reported Mwita's resignation as part of Paragraph 10 of the Thirteenth Schedule of the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings, and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023.

Since joining the company as CEO and executive director in April 2026, Mwita had previously acted in the role since July 2025, following Marion Gathoga-Mwangi's resignation. His tenure began after the board completed an evaluation and selection process. Mwita's departure leaves the media company facing additional challenges as it navigates financial and operational issues in a competitive industry.

The Standard Group's media platforms include The Standard newspaper, KTN television, and Radio Maisha. The leadership transition coincides with a series of board changes, including the appointment of three new independent non-executive directors: Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo, and Elishah Njeru. These appointments, effective October 15, 2026, reflect the company's efforts to adjust its governance structure amid shifting media industry dynamics, such as fluctuating advertising revenues, evolving audience habits, and rising operational costs.