The Standard Group is a prominent player in Kenya’s media landscape that has significantly impacted the Country’s political, economic and social spheres. Its diverse nature has seen it play a big role in shaping public opinion and promoting freedom of expression. So, who owns Standard Group in Kenya?
Today, Standard Group PLC is Kenya’s second-largest media organization with vast investments in television, newspaper print, radio broadcasting, and digital and online services.
Top shareholders who owns the Standard Group in Kenya
Apart from the Standard Newspaper, the Standard Group owns various media platforms including KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha, The Nairobian (a weekly tabloid), KTN Farmers, KTN Burudani, The Standard Entertainment, Vybes Radio and Spice Fm.
As we have it, the late President Moi’s Family, Kulei and other close associates own over 90% stake in the Standard Group.
The top three shareholders include S.N.G Holdings Limited, Trade World Kenya Limited and Miller Trustees Limited. All are believed to be companies associated with the Moi Family and associates.
In addition, the group’s shareholders add up to several foreign investors, local institutions and individuals, making it one of the most stable media platforms in Kenya.
Standard Group CEO and top executives
Who is the CEO of the standard media group?
Mr Orlando Lyomu, CPA, is the Group CEO, Managing Director & Executive Director at the Standard Group PLC.
Mr Orlando who is also a Member at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya is a secretary at Media Owners Association.
Other top executive directors at the Standard Group include:
- Dr Julius Kipngetich – Deputy Chairman
- Mr Orlando Lyomu – Group CEO
- Dr James Boyd – Non-Executive Director
- Ms Zehrabanu Janmohamed – Non-Executive Director
- Shaun Zambuni – Non-Executive Director
- Christopher Kulei – Non-Executive Director
- Ms Juliana Rotich – Non-Executive Director
- Dr Githinji Gitahi – Non-Executive Director
- Thomas Omondi Ochola – Non-Executive Director
Ownership history of the Standard Group
Sources indicate that the Standard was initially established as an African Standard (a weekly) in 1902 by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee.
Jeevanjee who was an immigrant businessman from British India sold it to two other investors in 1905. The two changed the name to the East African Standard and moved its headquarters from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Further info indicates that a British-based Lonrho Group bought the newspaper in 1963 and sold it in 1995 to Kenyan investors (including Moi who was the then-serving president).
The ownership of the now Standard Group rests squarely on the highest shareholder.
Kenya’s top five Media Owners
| 1. SK Macharia | Royal Media |
| 2. The Aga Khan | Nation Media Group |
| 3. Patrick Quarcoo | Radio Africa Group |
| 4. Kirubi Family | Capital FM |
| 5. Uhuru Kenyatta | Media Max, The People Daily |
As the Kenyan media continues to evolve, media houses are poised to remain the leading voices in driving meaningful conversations and shaping the country’s future.
While there may be various opinions and speculations about who owns the Standard Group in Kenya, it is evident that this media house has had a significant impact on the country’s media space.
