New Standard Group appointments: Chaacha Mwita confirmed as CEO

The Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita. [File, Standard] 

 

The Standard Group PLC has confirmed Chaacha Mwita as its Chief Executive Officer and  appointed Catherine Kawira Bariu as the new company secretary.

Mwita’s appointment took effect on April 1, 2026, after serving in an acting capacity since July 2025.

The Board credited Mwita with providing stability and steering the organisation through key operational and strategic processes during a transition period. It said his confirmation followed a thorough performance review.

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of his performance and a structured appointment process, the Board is satisfied that he has demonstrated the requisite leadership capability, experience, and integrity to assume the role on a substantive basis,” the company said.

Mwita has overseen the execution of the company’s strategy amid a shifting media landscape, with a growing focus on digital platforms and revenue streams.

Mwita holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, a postgraduate diploma in mass communication and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Nairobi.

“The Board congratulates Mr Mwita on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership in driving the company’s strategy, strengthening shareholder confidence and enhancing long-term shareholder value,” the statement said.

The Group has also announced the appointment of Catherine Kawira Bariu as company secretary, replacing Millicent Ngetich, who resigned on March 31.

Bariu is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a certified public secretary with more than a decade of experience in corporate governance, legal affairs and regulatory compliance. She has previously worked as a legal researcher at the Judiciary and at the Capital Markets Authority.

She holds a Master of Laws in corporate governance from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws from Kenyatta University, and a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

The Standard Group, one of Kenya’s oldest media houses, operates across print, television, radio and digital platforms and has been implementing reforms to strengthen its commercial sustainability.