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Top 20 best insurance companies in Kenya {Ultimate List}

Are you looking for the latest list of all reputatable and verified Insurance Companies in Kenya? Look no more. The Kenyan insurance market is dynamic, vibrant and regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). Companies generally fall into two categories: General Insurance (e.g., motor, property, medical) and Life Assurance (e.g., life, pensions, investment-linked products).

Here is a list of some of the prominent insurance companies operating in Kenya, including some of the largest groups:

List of Major Insurance Groups and Companies

These companies often dominate the market share and offer a wide range of products:

  • Britam Holdings Plc (Offers both General and Life Insurance)

  • Jubilee Holdings (Now operates as Jubilee Allianz for General Insurance and Jubilee Life Insurance for Life Assurance)

  • CIC Insurance Group (Popular among cooperatives and SMEs, offering General, Life, and Health)

  • Old Mutual Holdings (Operates as Old Mutual General Insurance and Old Mutual Life Assurance, following its acquisition of UAP Holdings)

  • Sanlam Kenya Plc (Part of the Sanlam Group; includes Sanlam General Insurance and Sanlam Life Insurance)

  • ICEA LION Group (Offers both General and Life Assurance)

  • APA Insurance Limited (Part of the Apollo Investments Limited Group, offers General and Life Assurance)7

Other Notable Insurance Underwriters

  • AAR Insurance Kenya Ltd (Specializes heavily in Health Insurance)

  • Directline Assurance Company Ltd (Known for its specialization in Public Service Vehicle (PSV) insurance)

  • First Assurance Company Limited

  • GA Insurance Limited

  • The Heritage Insurance Company Ltd (Part of Liberty Kenya Holdings)

  • Kenindia Assurance Company Ltd

  • Madison Insurance Company Ltd

  • Pacis Insurance Company Ltd

  • Pioneer Assurance Company Limited

  • Takaful Insurance of Africa Limited (Operates under Islamic/Sharia-compliant principles)

Reinsurance Companies

The market also includes companies that insure the insurance companies (reinsurers):

  • Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re)

  • Continental Reinsurance Ltd

  • East Africa Reinsurance Company Ltd


Key Areas of Focus

When choosing an insurance company, you might want to look into their strengths in specific areas:

Area of Focus Notable Companies
Market Share (General) CIC General, Britam General, GA Insurance
Health/Medical AAR Insurance, Jubilee Health, Old Mutual (UAP)
Claims Settlement Companies like Heritage Insurance have been noted for strong claims payment ratios.
Innovation/Digital Britam, Jubilee, Sanlam

FULL LIST OF ALL THE ACCREDITED INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA.

Here is the latest list of IRA licenced insurance Companies in Kenya:

REINSURANCE COMPANIES

Serial No. REINSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORISED  CLASSES  OF BUSINESS
1 Continental  Reinsurance Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  13,  14,
31,  32,  34,  35
2 East  Africa  Reinsurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  13,  14,
31,  34,  35
3 Ghana  Reinsurance Company  (Kenya)  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  13,  14
4 Kenya  Reinsurance Corporation  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  13,  14,
31,  34,  35
5 WAICA  Reinsurance  (Kenya) Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  13,  14

GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANIES

Serial No. GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORISED  CLASSES  OF BUSINESS
1. AAR  Insurance  (Kenya) Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  09,  10,  11,  12,14
2. Africa Merchant Assurance Company  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
3. NCBA  Insurance  Company Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  14
4. APA  Insurance  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
5. Britam  General  Insurance Company  (K)  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
6. Bupa  Global  Insurance Limited 12
7. Cannon  General Insurance  Company
Limited
02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
8. CIC  General  Insurance Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,  14
9. Corporate Insurance Company  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
10. Directline Assurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  14
11. Definite Assurance Company Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
12. Equity General
Insurance (Kenya) Limited
01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
13. Equity Health Insurance (Kenya) Limited 12
14. Fidelity  Shield Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
15. First  Assurance  Company Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,14
16. GA  Insurance  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
17. Geminia  Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  14
18. ICEA  LION  General Insurance  Company Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
19. Intra Africa  Assurance Company  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
20. Jubilee  Allianz  General Insurance  (K)  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
21. Jubilee  Health  Insurance Limited 12
22. Kenindia
Assurance Company  Limited
01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
23. Kenya  Orient  Insurance Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
24. Madison  General Insurance  Kenya  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,  14
25. Mayfair Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  14
26. MUA  Insurance  (Kenya) Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
27. Occidental Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  14
28. Old  Mutual  General Insurance  Kenya Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
29. Pacis  Insurance  Company Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,14
30. Pioneer  General Insurance  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
31. Sanlam  General Insurance  Company Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
32. Star  Discover  Insurance Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
33. Takaful  Insurance  of  Africa Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,14
34. Tausi  Assurance Company  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,14
35. The  Heritage  Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14
36. The  Kenyan  Alliance
Insurance Company Limited
02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  12,14
37. The Monarch Insurance Company  Limited 02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,  10,
11,  14
38. Trident  Insurance Company  Limited 01,  02,  03,  04,  05,  06,  07,  08,  09,
10,  11,  12,  14

LONG  TERM  (LIFE) INSURANCE COMPANIES

Serial No. LONG  TERM  (LIFE) INSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORISED  CLASSES  OF BUSINESS
1. ABSA  Life  Assurance  Kenya Limited 31,  34,  35
2. APA  Life  Assurance  Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37a,  37b
3. Britam  Life  Assurance Company
(K) Limited
31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  36,  37a,
37b
4. Cannon  Life  Assurance
(K)  Limited
31,34,35,37a,37b
5. Capex  Life  Assurance Company  Limited 31,32,33a,  33b,  34,35
6. CIC  Life  Assurance  Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
7. Equity  Life  Assurance  (Kenya) Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  36,  37a,
37b
8. GA  Life  Assurance  Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35
9. Geminia  Life  Insurance Company  Limited 31,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37a
10. ICEA  LION  Life  Assurance Company  Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
11. Jubilee  Life  Insurance Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35  ,37a
12. Kenindia  Assurance Company  Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37b
13. Kenya  Orient  Life  Assurance Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35
14. KUSCCO  Mutual  Assurance Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35
15. Liberty  Life  Assurance  Kenya Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
16. Madison  Life  Assurance  Kenya Limited 31,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37a,37b
17. Old  Mutual  Life  Assurance Kenya  Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37a,  37b
18. Pioneer Assurance Company  Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
19. Prudential  Life  Assurance Kenya  Limited 31,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
20. Sanlam  Life  Insurance Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,36,37a,37b
21. Star  Discover  Life  Insurance Limited 31,32,33a,33b,34,35,37a,37b
22. The  Kenyan  Alliance Insurance  Company  Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37b
23. The Monarch Insurance Company  Limited 31,  32,  33a,  33b,  34,  35,  37a

MICRO  INSURANCE  COMPANIES

Serial No. MICRO  INSURANCE  COMPANIES AUTHORISED CLASS  OF
BUSINESS
1 APA  Microinsurance  Limited 13
2 Birdview  Micro  Insurance  Limited 13
3 Britam  Microinsurance  Company  (K)  Limited 13
4 CIC  Microinsurance  Limited 13
5 Star  Discover  Microinsurance  Limited 13
6 Turaco  Microinsurance  Limited 13

Guide on the Authorized Classes of Businesses

Guide on the Authorized Classes of Businesses
Guide on the Authorized Classes of Businesses
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Top 10 car insurance companies in Kenya,
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Top Insurance Companies in Kenya {Newest}

The top insurance companies in Kenya are often ranked based on factors like market share (total premiums written), financial stability, and reputation for claims settlement.

Based on recent reports and general market perception, the leading insurers in Kenya consistently include:

🏆 Market Leaders and Major Players in the Insurance Sector

Company Name Key Highlights and Offerings
Jubilee Insurance (Jubilee Holdings) A long-standing market leader, particularly strong in Health Insurance and Life Assurance. Has a significant regional presence.
Britam Holdings A diversified financial services group offering insurance, asset management, and investment solutions. A major player in Life, Health, and General Insurance; also noted for microinsurance innovations.
CIC Insurance Group One of the largest cooperative insurers in Africa. Offers a wide range of products including General, Life, Medical, and Agricultural Insurance.
APA Insurance Part of the Apollo Group, known as a leading provider of General Insurance (Motor, Travel, Property) and for efficient claims processing.
ICEA Lion Group A reputable and established group offering comprehensive Life and General Insurance solutions, often highlighted for customer care and innovation.
Old Mutual Kenya A well-established international financial services provider offering Life Assurance, Investment, and General Insurance products.
Sanlam Kenya Part of the large Sanlam Group in Africa, offering a broad range of insurance and investment products.

🩺 Specialists and Segment Leaders in the Insurance Sector

  • AAR Insurance: Often regarded as a leader and specialist in Health Insurance, providing comprehensive medical coverage for individuals, families, and corporates.

  • Directline Assurance: A specialist in the Motor Insurance market, particularly for Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

  • Heritage Insurance: Highly regarded for its efficiency in claims settlement and its offerings in general insurance.

It’s important to note:

  • Segments: The ranking can vary depending on the segment (e.g., general insurance vs. life insurance). For example, a company might lead in general insurance gross premiums but rank lower in life assurance.

  • Recent Performance: Market share rankings can change slightly year-on-year based on official reports from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).


Metrics Used to Determine Top Insurance Performers

  • Market Share (IRA Annual Reports)
  • Claims Settlement Efficiency (AKI Claims Statistics)
  • Public Trust & NSE Performance (NSE Annual Results & Investor Reports)
  • Technology Innovation (AKI Innovation Awards & Company Releases)
  • Service Delivery & Customer Sentiment (Public Ratings & IRA Complaints Index)

1. Leading General Insurance Providers by Market Share

  • Britam General Insurance – 8.2%
  • CIC General Insurance – 8.4%
  • GA Insurance – 8.1%
  • Sanlam General Insurance – 6.5% (est.)
  • Heritage Insurance – 4.9%

IRA Report Summary


2. Pan-African Presence and Growth Leaders

  • Jubilee Insurance: Strong regional footprint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Mauritius.
  • Britam Holdings: Operations in 7 African countries including South Sudan and Rwanda.
  • Sanlam Kenya: Backed by Sanlam Group (South Africa) with operations in 33+ countries across Africa.

3. Top Performers on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)

  • Jubilee Holdings (JUB): Top-performing insurer on the NSE with consistent dividend payout and regional returns.
  • Britam Holdings (BRIT): Strong investor interest and 97.5% growth in core earnings per share (EPS) in FY.
  • CIC Insurance Group (CIC): Popular among retail investors for its cooperative backing.
  • Sanlam Kenya (SLAM): Consistent dividend policy and recovery in share value in Q1–2025.

4. Claims Settlement Track Record

Top companies known for fast and fair claims resolution:

  • Jubilee Insurance – High scores for medical and group health claims.
  • Britam – Strong reputation in digital claims management.
  • Sanlam Kenya – Noted for claims turnaround improvements in Q4 2023.

5. Innovation and Product Excellence

  • Britam: Bima Ya Mwananchi, micro-insurance for underserved groups.
  • Sanlam Kenya: Advanced risk profiling and embedded insurance solutions.
  • Jubilee Health: Wellness-linked insurance and telemedicine integration.
  • CIC Insurance: Agricultural and climate-smart microinsurance.
  • Absa Life Kenya: Strong in digital life insurance and bank assurance integration.

  •  Leading General Insurance Providers by Market Share

When it comes to innovation and digital transformation, companies like:

  • Absa Life – Seamlessly blends financial services and life insurance.
  • Cannon Assurance – Advanced use of AI and digital platforms.
  • Intra Africa – Focus on insurtech-driven inclusivity.
  • Jubilee Health’s Telemedicine & Wellness Model

  • CIC Microinsurance (Agricultural and Inclusive Innovation):

  • Britam “Bima Ya Mwananchi” Product Launch

These players are reshaping the customer experience and widening insurance access to underserved markets.

Trusted Partnerships That Strengthen Your Coverage

At Dawit Insurance Agency, we believe trust is built on solid partnerships. That’s why we’ve built strong working relationships with some of the most reputable insurance companies in Kenya and the region, ensuring that our clients always receive reliable, competitive, and tailored solutions.

We are proud to work closely with:

Sanlam, Britam, CIC, Intra Africa, AAR & General, ICEA Lion, APA, Jubilee, Jubilee Allianz, Cannon, Heritage, Absa Life, and Madison.

These partnerships allow us to offer you a broad range of policies—from personal and health insurance to business and specialized covers—while also giving you the flexibility of choice, excellent service, and responsive claims handling.