Stanbic Holdings PLC has appointed Dr Joshua Oigara as Chief Executive and Director, effective 1 March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. This transition succeeds Patrick Mweheire, who retires as Chief Executive and Director on 28 February 2026.
The Board commended Mr Mweheire for his leadership since March 2020, during which he delivered consistent growth, sustainable value creation, and strengthened Stanbic Kenya’s position as a key franchise within the Standard Bank Group.
Dr Oigara’s appointment aligns with the organisation’s objective of maintaining leadership continuity while advancing strategic priorities in a competitive financial services environment.
Extensive Regional Leadership at Standard Bank
Dr Oigara currently serves as Standard Bank’s Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, a role he assumed in September 2025.
In this capacity, he oversees operations across six markets: Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. This position includes supervision of Stanbic’s businesses in these jurisdictions as well as leadership of the group’s investment banking arm, SBG Securities.
His regional oversight provides deep insight into diverse economic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics across East Africa.
This experience equips him to drive coordinated growth strategies, cross-border partnerships, and pan-regional initiatives within the Standard Bank Group, particularly as Stanbic Holdings seeks to enhance its franchise in Kenya and South Sudan.
Proven Track Record at KCB Group
Prior to his current role, Dr Oigara served as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of KCB Group for nearly ten years (January 2013 to May 2022).
During this period, he led significant transformation and expansion, growing the institution into one of East Africa’s largest banks.
Key achievements under his stewardship included:
- Substantial asset and market capitalisation growth.
- Advancement of digital innovation and financial inclusion initiatives.
- Regional expansion and product diversification.
- Recognition for contributions to the banking sector and national development, including the award of Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) by the Kenyan government.
His tenure at KCB demonstrated capability in scaling operations, managing competitive pressures, and driving sustainable performance, skills directly transferable to leading Stanbic Holdings.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Dr Oigara holds an MBA with distinction in International Business Management from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi.
He is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD, France, a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K), and a member of the Kenya Institute of Bankers and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
These credentials, combined with his board experience, including as a Non-Executive Director of Stanbic Nominees Limited, provide a strong foundation in strategic governance, risk management, and international business principles.
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Alignment with Stanbic’s Strategic Priorities
Stanbic Holdings’ leadership transition reflects a focus on continuity and capability enhancement in a dynamic environment.
Dr Oigara’s dual perspective, from leading a major indigenous bank to managing regional operations within a multinational group, positions him to:
- Accelerate digital execution and innovation.
- Strengthen customer-centric growth in personal, business, and corporate segments.
- Advance pan-African integration within the Standard Bank ecosystem.
- Maintain governance rigour while pursuing sustainable value creation.
His appointment signals a deliberate strategy to leverage proven regional expertise for Stanbic’s next phase of growth, particularly in enhancing market position, operational efficiency, and stakeholder value in Kenya and South Sudan.
Looking Ahead
Dr Joshua Oigara’s appointment as Chief Executive of Stanbic Holdings PLC draws on his extensive regional leadership at Standard Bank and transformative tenure at KCB Group.
His proven ability to scale institutions, drive innovation, and navigate complex markets equips him to guide Stanbic through its next growth phase effectively.
Effective 1 March 2026, subject to approvals, this transition reinforces leadership continuity and strategic focus in a competitive landscape.
For the most current details, refer to official announcements from Stanbic Holdings PLC or Standard Bank Group.
Stanbic Bank Overview
Stanbic Bank Kenya provides full retail and business banking in Kenya with digital access and customer support across multiple channels.
You can use Stanbic Internet banking Kenya to log in online and manage accounts, transfers and payments at any time.
The bank also offers a Stanbic Bank app for smartphones that supports balance checks, transfers, bill payments and mobile deposits.
Customers link M-PESA to Stanbic by using the Stanbic PayBill number 600100 in the Lipa na M-PESA menu to deposit funds directly into a Stanbic account from M-PESA.
For assistance, Stanbic contacts include the customer care centre at 0800 720 044 (toll-free in Kenya) or +254 20 3268 888 and email customercare@stanbic.com, plus WhatsApp support on +254 777 068 888.
Stanbic Bank South Africa is part of the same Standard Bank Group, operating across Africa with a presence in multiple markets, while the Kenyan entity focuses on local retail, digital and business banking solutions.
To use Stanbic mobile banking Kenya, download the official app or register for USSD mobile banking (*208#) for basic banking without data.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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