Paul Arithi 
Birju Sanghrajka new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Coverage for Kenya,Standard Chartered Bank
The Board of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited (“the Bank”) announces the appointment of Birju Sanghrajka as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Coverage for Kenya, subject to regulatory approvals.
Birju will succeed Kariuki Ngari, who will retire from his role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, on 16 April 2026 after a distinguished 24-year career with Standard Chartered.
Kariuki was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in 2019. Since then, he has led the Bank’s transformation significantly accelerating the shift to digital with currently over 90% of transactions being done digitally across Wealth and Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking.
Shareholders have benefitted from strong and resilient financial performance over the period.
Kariuki has also led the transformation of Wealth and Retail Banking from being a traditional savings focused segment to a leading wealth–led segment with world class products and expertise, as demonstrated by the significant increase in the Bank’s Assets under Management (AUM) to match deposits held.
Beyond financial performance, Kariuki has been at the forefront of the Bank’s sustainability and community impact agenda, advancing initiatives aligned with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.
Through flagship programmes in employment and entrepreneurship, the Bank has deepened its role as a trusted partner in the communities it serves.
In the flagship Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, the participants have increased by 78% and money raised for Futuremakers has grown by 76% to a record KES 76 million.
Birju Sanghrajka is currently the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Coverage, Kenya, and has been an Executive Director on the Board since July 2021.
He has over 26 years’ experience with Standard Chartered, having held senior roles in Corporate and Investment Banking across Kenya, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
His deep client relationships, cross-border expertise, and track record of building strong teams, delivering innovative solutions and sustained performance, position him well to lead the Bank into its next phase of sustainable,
value-driven growth.
Kellen Kariuki, Board Chairperson, Standard Chartered Kenya Limited, said: “On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest appreciation to Kariuki for his outstanding leadership and transformative leadership.
Under his stewardship, the Bank has delivered strong financial outcomes, accelerated its digital transformation and deepened its impact in the community.
We also congratulate Birju on his appointment and are confident that he will successfully steer the Bank through its next phase of growth.”
Commenting on his planned retirement, Kariuki Ngari said:“It has been a privilege to work at Standard Chartered with hundreds of colleagues, growing talent and serving clients.
Together, we have transformed how we serve our clients.I have had a good run and depart with nothing but gratitude.”
Birju Sanghrajka said: “I am honoured by the confidence the Board has placed in me, and excited about the opportunity to lead our Kenya franchise.
Kariuki leaves a strong legacy of performance and purpose, and I look forward to building on this by deepening our client relationships,leveraging our global network, and continuing to invest in our world class solutions that support Kenya’s growth story.”
