The Standard Group PLC has appointed Chaacha Mwita as Chief Executive Editor (CEE), placing him at the helm of content production and strategic leadership.

Mwita brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, communication, and policy engagement, both locally and globally. A seasoned journalist, he has played a key role in strengthening editorial capacity in newsrooms across Africa.

Welcoming his appointment on Thursday, April 3, Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Marion Mwangi said his appointment reflects the company’s commitment to digital innovation, audience-focused content, and journalistic excellence.

“We believe Chaacha’s solid achievements as a distinguished journalist and media leader will add value to the organisation as it seeks to reinvigorate its journalism and uphold its tenets of boldness and independence,” said Gathoga.

She added that as the company undergoes a transformative phase, Mwita’s expertise in leadership, communication, and policy engagement will be crucial in shaping its future.

In his acceptance speech, Mwita stressed the need for a full transition to a digital-first newsroom.

“My prime responsibility is to position The Standard Group in a way that will satisfy our audience, most of whom are digital consumers. One of the things I would like to see happen here is a full transition to a digital-first media house,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in news consumption, talent development, and providing journalists with the tools they need to succeed.

“We need to rigorously invest in investigations, research, and technology. Without the right tools, we cannot understand our audience’s needs or deliver content effectively,” he stated.

While acknowledging shifts in media platforms and audience behavior, Mwita affirmed that journalism remains essential. “Journalism never dies. People will always seek accurate and reliable information. The challenge is adapting to evolving platforms and consumer habits. Today’s industry requires a blend of traditional and modern skills.”

Acting Editor-in-Chief John Bundotich lauded Mwita’s longstanding contributions to journalism and press freedom.

“One of the defining moments was in 2006 when we were advocating for press freedom in this country. Mwita stood tall during that period. His addition to the team is valuable as we continue our digital transformation journey, which began in 2021 and is shaping our modern newsroom,” said Bundotich.

Expertise

Chaacha Mwita’s career includes conducting media assessments in several African countries including Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. He has held leadership roles at prominent organisations, including the Standard Group PLC—where he previously served as Editorial Director and later as a Board member—Nation Media Group, Aga Khan Foundation, the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and the Thomson Foundation in London.

Mwita has also contributed to high-level international panels, including the Africa Means Business Advisory Panel, and worked with institutions such as Oxford University’s Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Strathmore Business School (SBS), and the University of Ghana.

He holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) and a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, as well as an MBA from the University of St Gallen, Switzerland.

A published author and former Fanning Fellow for Journalism at the Kettering Foundation in the US, Mwita has led major consultancies, including projects with Internews and UNICEF, focusing on media development, social budgeting guidelines, and parliamentary training.