Standard Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chaacha Mwita is set to leave his position on November 1, 2026, just seven months after his substantive appointment at the media company.
The company announced his impending departure in a notice signed by Company Secretary Catherine Kawira on behalf of the Board of Directors. Mwita will also leave his position as an Executive Director, with the company yet to disclose the reason for his resignation.
“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.
Mwita was appointed substantive CEO effective April 1, 2026, after serving as Acting CEO from July 1, 2025.
Outgoing Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita.
Photo
SMG
He took over the acting role following the resignation of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, who left the position effective June 30, 2025, after about a year in office.
Mwita’s planned departure follows other changes at board level. On October 12, Standard Group announced that Edward Mwasi and Dr James McFie had resigned as Non-Executive Directors, effective August 31, 2026.
Days later, the company also announced the appointment of Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo and Elishah Njeru as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective October 15, 2026.
The company has not named a successor to Mwita, whose exit adds to a series of leadership changes at the media group. The developments also come as the media group continues to navigate financial challenges affecting its operations.
The listed media company has recorded financial losses and faced difficulties in raising fresh capital, with its proposed rights issue of approximately Ksh1.5 billion suspended.
The Mombasa Road-based media giant has also faced outstanding government advertising bills, which have affected cash flow across the media industry.
The company operates The Standard newspaper, KTN Television and Radio Maisha, among other media platforms.
The leadership changes come as other major media houses also announce organisational adjustments.
Nation Media Group recently appointed Joe Ageyo as Editor-in-Chief of its Ugandan operations and Washington Gikunju as Acting Managing Editor in Uganda, while Harry Misiko was named Acting Editor-in-Chief in Kenya, as part of wide leadership changes affecting its editorial hierarchy.
Inside the studios at the Standard Media Group during the 2022 General Election.
Photo
KTN News