Stanbic Holdings PLC has named Dr. Joshua Oigara as its new Chief Executive and Director, effective 1 March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The appointment follows the retirement of Patrick Mweheire, who will step down as Chief Executive and Director on 28 February 2026.
“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joshua Oigara as Chief Executive and Director of Stanbic Holdings PLC, effective 1 March 2026. This appointment is subject to requisite regulatory approvals,” the company said in a statement issued on 12 February 2026.
Leadership Transition
During his tenure, Mweheire provided decisive leadership in executing Stanbic’s strategic priorities. Under his stewardship, the company delivered consistent growth, created sustainable value, and strengthened Stanbic Kenya’s position within the Standard Bank Group.
The Board expressed its appreciation for Mweheire’s “exemplary leadership and contribution to the company.”
Joshua Oigara: Career Background
Oigara currently serves as Standard Bank’s Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, a role he assumed in September 2025, overseeing operations in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
He previously served as Group CEO and Managing Director of KCB Group for nearly a decade, where he was instrumental in driving growth and expanding financial inclusion. Notably, he spearheaded partnerships such as KCB-M-PESA, which brought banking services to millions of previously unbanked customers.
Oigara also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Stanbic Nominees Limited.
Academic and Professional Credentials
- MBA (Distinction) in International Business Management – Edith Cowan University, Australia
- Bachelor of Commerce – University of Nairobi
- Advanced Management Programme – INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K)
- Member – Kenya Institute of Bankers (KIB) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)
His contributions to the financial sector have been widely recognized. He has chaired the Kenya Bankers Association Governing Council, served on the Vision 2030 Delivery Board, and received honors including the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
The Financial Times previously named him among Africa’s Top 25 Leaders to Watch.
Patrick Mweheire’s Legacy
Mweheire was appointed Chief Executive of Stanbic Holdings PLC and Non-Executive Director of Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited in March 2020. He had earlier served as Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited from 2014 to 2020.
A seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience, Mweheire also held regional leadership roles within the Standard Bank Group, overseeing operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
He served on multiple boards, including Stanbic Bank Tanzania Limited, Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, and Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, and contributed to national development as a member of the Uganda Chamber of Mines & Petroleum and advisor to the Presidential Investors Roundtable.
Mweheire holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Daemen College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
