Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita Quits as Board Shake-Up Continues

NAIROBI, Kenya — Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita is set to leave the media company on November 1, barely seven months after being confirmed to the top job, in the latest leadership change at one of Kenya’s oldest media houses.

The company announced his resignation in a notice to shareholders and the public, confirming that Mwita will also relinquish his position as an executive director. The notice was signed by Company Secretary Catherine Kawira on behalf of the board.

The board did not disclose the reason for his departure or name a successor.

It thanked Mwita for his service, saying: “The Board takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to Mr Chaacha for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the Company.”

His exit comes amid a wider reshuffle at the group's board level, raising questions about the leadership and strategic direction of the media business as it works to strengthen its financial position.

From acting CEO to an early exit

Mwita became acting Group CEO on July 1, 2025, following the departure of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, who had held the position since July 2024.

He was subsequently confirmed as substantive CEO with effect from April 1, 2026.

At the time of his appointment, the company said its board had assessed his performance and was satisfied with his leadership capabilities and experience. It credited him with helping to maintain stability and oversee operational and strategic processes during a period of transition.

Mwita brought more than two decades of experience in leadership, communication and policy engagement to the role. His background also included senior editorial responsibilities at the media group.

His planned departure means the company will need to establish fresh leadership at the top, although it has yet to announce whether an interim chief executive will be appointed before November 1.

Board changes add to leadership shake-up

Mwita's resignation follows other changes involving the Standard Group's directors.

In a notice dated October 12, the company announced that Edward Mwasi and Dr James McFie had left their positions as non-executive directors, effective August 31, 2026. The company did not disclose the reasons for their departures.

The group has also brought three new independent non-executive directors onto its board, with their appointments taking effect on October 15.

They are Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo and Elishah Njeru.

The appointments add experience in areas including finance, corporate governance, investment management and business leadership. Their arrival comes as the company faces a new period of executive and board-level transition.

However, the company has not publicly linked the directors' departures to Mwita's resignation. The developments should therefore be viewed as separate announcements unless the board provides further clarification.

The financial challenge facing Standard Group

The leadership changes come as the media group continues to work through financial and operational pressures.

In February 2026, Standard Group suspended a proposed rights issue intended to raise approximately KSh1.5 billion from shareholders.

The planned fundraising had been designed to strengthen the company's balance sheet, settle existing liabilities and provide working capital, among other business needs.

In its notice to shareholders, the board said the suspension would allow it to reconsider the proposed transaction's structure, timing and viability in light of market conditions and available financing options.

The company also made clear that the suspension did not amount to cancellation of the rights issue. It said it would continue reviewing its funding strategy and inform shareholders of material developments.

The fundraising decision is significant because access to capital can affect a media company's ability to meet its obligations, invest in digital products and maintain its operations as audiences and advertisers increasingly move online.

Nevertheless, the available company announcements do not establish that the suspended rights issue caused Mwita's resignation.

What happens next?

The immediate question is who will take charge of the Standard Group when Mwita leaves.

The incoming leadership will oversee a business spanning print, television, radio and digital platforms, including The Standard newspaper, KTN and Radio Maisha.

It will also have to contend with the broader changes reshaping Kenya's media industry, including shifting audience habits, pressure on advertising revenue and the cost of sustaining traditional news operations while expanding digital services.

For shareholders, the next steps will include clarity on the succession plan and the company's approach to raising capital. For employees, the transition will bring questions about operational priorities and continuity.

For now, Standard Group has confirmed Mwita's departure but has not explained the reasons behind it. Until the board provides further details, the resignation's underlying circumstances remain undisclosed.

The key issue is whether the company can maintain leadership continuity while pursuing a sustainable financial and operational path forward.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.