Stanbic Holdings Plc has announced a leadership transition that will see Chief Executive Patrick Mweheire retire at the end of February 2026, with Dr. Joshua Oigara appointed as the new Chief Executive effective 1 March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Patrick Mweheire to Retire After Five Years at the Helm
In a notice to shareholders, the Board of Directors confirmed that Mr. Mweheire will retire as Chief Executive and Director of Stanbic Holdings Plc effective 28 February 2026. He will, however, continue serving in a senior executive capacity within the Standard Bank Group.
Mr. Mweheire was appointed Chief Executive on 3 March 2020 and has led the institution through a period marked by economic volatility, post-pandemic recovery, and evolving regulatory dynamics.
During his tenure, the Board credited him with executing the company’s strategic priorities, delivering consistent growth, and strengthening Stanbic Kenya’s position within the broader Standard Bank Group.
The Board expressed appreciation for his leadership, noting that he played a key role in building the bank into a well-positioned franchise within the regional and continental banking landscape.
Dr. Joshua Oigara to Take Over as CEO
The Board also announced the appointment of Dr. Joshua Oigara as Chief Executive and Director of Stanbic Holdings Plc effective 1 March 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Dr. Oigara currently serves as the Standard Bank Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, a role he has held since September 2025. In that capacity, he oversees operations across six countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
He will assume leadership of Stanbic Holdings Plc in addition to retaining his regional responsibilities.
Dr. Oigara brings extensive experience in regional banking leadership, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of a major regional bank in East Africa. His background includes institutional transformation, market expansion and financial inclusion initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.
Academic and Professional Background
Dr. Oigara holds:
- An MBA with Distinction in International Business Management from Edith Cowan University, Australia
- A Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi
- Certified Public Accountant of Kenya, CPA (K) qualification
- Membership in the Kenya Institute of Bankers (KIB)
- Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
- Advanced Management Programme certification from IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland
The Board stated that his experience in banking transformation and regional market development positions the company for its next phase of growth.
Strategic Implications
The leadership change comes at a time when Kenyan banks are navigating tighter liquidity conditions, evolving capital requirements, increased digital competition and regional expansion opportunities.
Dr. Oigara’s dual regional and local mandate signals potential alignment between Stanbic Kenya’s growth strategy and Standard Bank’s broader East African integration agenda.
The transition will take effect at the start of the new financial year cycle, subject to regulatory clearance.
