Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has announced the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kariuki Ngari. In a notice on January 22, 2026, the bank noted that Ngari would be formally exiting on April 16, after 24 years of service.
At the same time, StanChart’s Board appointed Birju Sanghrajka as its new Managing Director and CEO, subject to regulatory approvals, as long-serving CEO Kariuki Ngari prepares to exit the role.
“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Birju Sanghrajka as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Coverage for Kenya, subject to regulatory approvals,” read part of the Standard Chartered Bank notice.
Standard Chartered Appoints Birju Sanghrajka
According to Standard Chartered, Sanghrajka, who is currently the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Coverage in Kenya, has served as an Executive Director on the bank’s board since July 2021.
He brings more than 26 years of experience with Standard Chartered, having held senior roles across Kenya, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bank said his appointment comes at a pivotal stage as it continues its transformation programme launched in 2019, with a focus on business growth, client relationships, and innovative banking solutions across the region.
“The Board congratulates Birju on his appointment and is confident that he will successfully steer the Bank through its next phase of growth,” they noted.
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Kariuki Ngari Exits
Ngari has been StanChart’s CEO since March 2019.
During his tenure, Ngari oversaw a major digital shift, resulting in more than 90 per cent of the bank’s transactions being conducted digitally.
He also led the repositioning of Wealth and Retail Banking and advanced the bank’s sustainability and community impact initiatives aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance standards.
About Birju Sanghrajka
Birju Sanghrajka holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics and Finance from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.
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He began his career as an International Graduate trainee at Standard Chartered in Kenya (1999-2000), progressing through roles like Business Development Manager (2000-2001), Product Manager in London (2002-2003), Senior Relationship Manager in Corporate Banking (2003-2005), and Director & Head of Corporate Finance East Africa (2005-2008).
Subsequent positions included Director & Head of Transaction Banking East Africa (2007-2010), Director Transaction Banking Africa (2010-2011), Managing Director Head of Product Management Africa (2011-2014, Johannesburg), Managing Director Transaction Banking Commercial Banking Africa & Middle East (2014-2016, Dubai), and Managing Director Head of Trade Transaction Banking Africa & Middle East (2017-2019, Dubai).
He assumed his current role in September 2019, and he is now named the incoming CEO of Kenya.
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