Britam Insurance

Britam General Insurance’s Strong Financial Performance Drives ‘A’ Rating Upgrade

Posted on July 1, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

Britam General Insurance Company (Kenya) Limited has received a ratings upgrade from GCR Ratings, with its national scale financial strength rating rising to A (KE) from BBB+ (KE) and the Outlook revised to Stable from Positive.

GCR, Africa’s leading rating agency, cited Britam General Insurance’s strong role within Britam Holdings Plc, consistent business performance, sound financial management, and growing contribution to the Group’s success as key factors behind the rating action.

According to GCR, Britam General Insurance remains an essential part of the Group, contributing 36.6 per cent of total insurance revenue in 2025 while continuing to strengthen its earnings, capital position, and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the rating upgrade, Britam General Insurance CEO and Principal Officer James Mbithi stated that the recognition affirms the company’s commitment to delivering long-term value creation.

James Mbithi CEO & Principal Officer Britam General Insurance Company (Image: Files)

“This upgrade is a strong endorsement of our financial resilience, disciplined execution, and customer-centric approach to insurance.

It reflects the confidence that independent rating agencies have in our business fundamentals and our ability to honour commitments to policyholders while delivering sustainable growth,” said Mbithi.

The new rating follows a year of strong financial performance for Britam General Insurance, which reported improved profitability, with profit after tax rising to Ksh1.4 billion in 2025, supported by lower claims experience, enhanced operational efficiency, and stronger investment income.

Over the past year, Britam General Insurance has strengthened its business by improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and expanding digital capabilities, enabling customers to access insurance services more conveniently and efficiently.

The rating also reflects the strength of the wider Britam Group, which continues to grow its presence across the region while maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management and financial stewardship.

As the insurance industry continues to evolve, Britam remains focused on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and strengthening its position as a trusted partner in helping customers navigate life’s uncertainties.

How Britam is Using AI to Make Insurance Simpler and More Sustainable

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

A few years ago, getting insurance often meant forms, paperwork, branch visits, and a fair amount of waiting around.

Today, many customers simply reach for their phones.

That shift is becoming increasingly visible across Kenya’s financial sector, and Britam says technology is playing a major role in changing how people access insurance and investment services.

According to the company’s latest Sustainability Report, digital platforms and artificial intelligence are helping Britam serve customers faster while supporting its broader sustainability goals.

AI Is Already Being Used by Customers

One of the clearest examples is Bella, Britam’s AI-powered WhatsApp assistant.

Instead of navigating multiple channels, customers can engage with Britam through WhatsApp to access information, make inquiries, and begin their insurance or investment journeys.

The company reports that Bella helped onboard 18,991 new insurance customers and facilitated the opening of 11,340 investment accounts during the reporting period.

For customers, the appeal is simple: convenience.

For Britam, it is part of a larger strategy to make financial services more accessible while reducing operational inefficiencies.

Less Paper

The insurance industry has traditionally relied heavily on paperwork.

Britam says that is changing rapidly.

According to the report, over 91 percent of its transactions are now paperless, while 65 percent of customer interactions take place through digital channels.

The move not only speeds up service delivery but also reduces paper consumption and administrative overheads.

It is one of the ways technology is helping organisations align business operations with sustainability objectives.

Britam Towers features a massive 250 kWp rooftop solar installation that generates approximately 420,000 kWh annually (File: Image)

Sustainability beyond Environmental Projects

Britam integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its financial services, real estate, and community outreach.

Major sustainability milestones include generating up to 50% of the Britam Tower power via solar, and offering tailored Electric Vehicle (EV) Insurance to promote green mobility.

When people hear the word sustainability, many immediately think about tree planting and environmental conservation.

Britam continues to support such initiatives, including a commitment to contribute towards the planting of 60 million trees by 2030.

However, the company says sustainability also involves how services are delivered.

Digital systems help reduce waste, improve efficiency, and allow organisations to serve more customers without significantly increasing resource consumption.

Expanding Customer Reach Through Technology

The report highlights several digital initiatives aimed at improving access to financial services.

These include mobile-first insurance solutions, telehealth services, digital investment platforms, and partnerships that integrate insurance into everyday customer experiences.

Such innovations are becoming increasingly important as more consumers expect services to be available on-demand and through channels they already use daily.

Purpose-built Technology

For many companies, artificial intelligence is still something being explored.

At Britam, the technology is already being integrated into customer service, onboarding, and operational processes.

The result is a model that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability.

As customer expectations continue to evolve, the company’s experience suggests that digital transformation is no longer just about technology.

It is increasingly becoming part of how businesses improve access, reduce waste, and build more sustainable operations.

Britam Expands Wealth Management Offering with Launch of Trust Services

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

Britam, a leading diversified pan-African financial services firm, has officially launched Britam Trust Services to advance wealth stewardship by helping Kenyans protect, preserve and pass on assets across generations.

Britam Trust Services has two trust solution offerings:

The Britam Cash Trust, which enables funds to be set aside for specific needs of one’s chosen beneficiary such as education, healthcare, and sustenance, and …

The Britam Family Trust, also referred to as the Britam Private Trust, which can hold a wider range of assets including property, investments, businesses and cash.

“Our role is to help our customers protect what they have worked hard to build, preserve it with intention, and pass it on with clarity and purpose,” said Britam Group Managing Director and CEO Tom Gitogo.

The launch expands Britam’s financial solutions across the full wealth journey – from creation and accumulation to preservation and transfer across generations.

It provides a structured way for individuals and families to manage assets in line with their wishes, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Britam’s Trust solution also helps organisations to efficiently and professionally manage employee benefits from pension and group life cover that become payable to beneficiaries who are below 18 years after the death of an employee.

As more Kenyans build wealth through cash savings, property, investments, pensions and family businesses, the need for structures that protect and preserve those assets has become increasingly important.

Britam Trust Services responds to this need by providing a framework for long-term wealth planning and transfer.

“Trusts have often been viewed as tools for significant inherited wealth. Britam Trust Services is built on a broader premise: that anyone building wealth needs a structure to protect and steward their assets.

This includes the Kenyan worker, saver, business owner and family that has spent years building something worth protecting,” added Mr Gitogo.

With the Britam Cash Trust, individuals can start with as little as Ksh5,000 and gradually grow their fund through regular top-ups.

This creates an opportunity for every Kenyan household to establish a trust fund while demystifying the perception that trusts are reserved for the wealthy.

The launch comes at a time when unclaimed assets in Kenya have reached record levels, with the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) currently holding over Ksh115 billion in unclaimed assets.

This includes bank accounts, investment accounts, pension payouts, group life insurance proceeds, policy benefits and death benefits that have not reached their intended beneficiaries (mostly minors).

To reduce chances of this happening, a Trust fund can be nominated as the beneficiary

A trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held and managed by a trustee on behalf of beneficiaries according to instructions set out by the person creating the trust.

It provides an orderly and intentional way to manage assets, support beneficiaries and preserve family wealth over time.

Beyond preserving assets, trusts help families create clarity and continuity.

They provide a structured way to protect loved and vulnerable ones, reduce uncertainty and conflict, and ensure assets are transferred according to the owner’s wishes.

In doing so, they help families safeguard what they have built and provide for future generations with confidence.

Britam Disburses Ksh96.3 Million in Climate Insurance Claims to Farmers and Pastoralists

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

Britam paid out Ksh97.3 million in claims in 2025 to support 402,681 farmers and pastoralists recover from climate-related shocks across East Africa, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to building climate resilience through sustainable financial solutions.

According to Britam’s 2025 Sustainability Report, the Group continues to expand access to innovative parametric insurance solutions that use satellite data and pre-defined weather thresholds to trigger payouts, enabling faster support for vulnerable communities affected by drought, erratic rainfall, and other climate-related disruptions.

Crop insurance coverage grew by 83% year-on-year, increasing from 161,521 farmers in 2024 to 294,799 farmers in 2025.

During the year, Britam paid Kshs80.4 million in crop insurance claims, providing a critical financial safety net for smallholder farmers facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

In addition, 107,882 pastoralists across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were covered under Britam’s livestock insurance programme, with Ksh16.9 million paid in claims settlements to affected households.

From left: Britam Group Managing Director & CEO Tom Gitogo, Director Legal & Sustainability and Company Secretary Hilda Njeru and Interim Board Chairperson Celestine Munda during the launch of Britam’s 2025 Sustainability Report. (Image: Files)

“Through inclusive, sustainable and innovative solutions, we are enabling recovery, stability, and continued productivity even in the face of increasing climate uncertainty.

Our focus is to ensure that farmers and pastoralists are not left exposed when climate shocks strike,”

Said Britam Group Managing Director and CEO, Tom Gitogo.

The report also highlights Britam’s growing investment in environmental sustainability and climate action.

In October 2025, Britam commissioned a solar installation at its headquarters, Britam Tower – one of Africa’s tallest green buildings.

The installation is projected to generate 390,000 kWh of clean energy annually, power more than 50% of the building’s energy needs, and offset 198 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to planting 10,800 trees annually.

Beyond its own operations, the Britam Foundation planted 86,000 trees in the Mt. Elgon Water Tower, restored more than 444 acres of degraded land, and supported the creation of 1,358 green jobs in host communities, contributing to the Group’s ambition of planting 60 million trees by 2030.

To strengthen the scale and accountability of this effort, Britam in May 2026 introduced TAWI, a digital platform that enables the real time coordination, tracking, verification, and measurement of tree-planting activities for long-term environmental stewardship.

Britam continued to invest in healthier and more resilient communities.

Through its Lea Mama maternal health programme, over 3,300 mothers were enrolled in 2025, contributing to a 50% reduction in miscarriage rates and achieving an average customer Net Promoter Score of 9.4 out of 10.

The report further underscores Britam’s commitment to responsible governance and ethical business practices.

In 2025, the Group reported zero corruption incidents, contributed Kshs3.1 billion in taxes across its seven markets, and was certified as a Top Employer in Africa for the second consecutive year.

The 2025 Sustainability Report marks Britam’s third annual sustainability disclosure and the first to cover all seven markets under a unified ESG framework, underscoring the Group’s shift from sustainability reporting to sustainability integration. Sustainability is a core pillar of Britam’s pan-African Ascend 2030 strategy.

“This reflects our understanding that sustainable growth requires strong governance and responsible leadership. Ultimately, sustainability is about thinking beyond the present and making decisions with the future in mind,”

Said Hilda Njeru, Director, Legal & Sustainability and Group Company Secretary.

Britam’s Whole Life Insurance Plan : How it Works for Long-Term Financial Planning

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

Most financial plans focus on building wealth – income, assets, investments. What often gets less attention is how that wealth is protected and passed on over time.

That’s the gap addressed by the Whole Life Insurance Plan from Britam – a long-term cover designed to provide lifetime protection, financial continuity and structured wealth transfer.

What is The Plan all About?

Britam’s Whole Life Insurance Plan is a permanent life cover that remains in force for the policyholder’s lifetime, provided premiums are maintained.

Unlike term insurance, which runs for a fixed duration, this plan guarantees a payout to beneficiaries whenever death occurs.

It can also be extended to include protection against disability, critical illness, and funeral-related expenses.

The product is structured to support:

Financial security for dependents
Continuity of wealth across generations
Immediate liquidity for estate-related obligations

Key Features of the Whole Life Insurance Plan

Lifetime Protection

The policy does not expire. Cover remains active throughout the insured’s life, eliminating the risk of outliving the policy.

Increasing Benefit Value

The sum assured grows at a fixed rate of 3% annually, helping maintain value against inflation over time.

Structured Wealth Transfer

The plan enables policyholders to pass on a guaranteed, tax-free payout to beneficiaries, supporting estate planning and succession.

Tax-Free Benefits

All payouts under the policy – including death and rider benefits – are exempt from tax, preserving the full value for beneficiaries.

Flexible Payment Options

Premiums can be structured to suit different financial plans.

It is available as both a single premium and a regular payment plan, with payment terms of 10, 15, or 20 years.

Optional Riders

Additional protection can be included through:

Permanent total disability cover
Critical illness benefit
Funeral expense rider

Whole Life Insurance Plan Coverage Structure

The plan supports high-value protection, with coverage levels designed for individuals seeking substantial financial security.

a) Death cover: Ksh5M to Ksh100M

b) Disability cover: Ksh2M to Ksh100M

c) Critical illness: Ksh2M to Ksh15M

d) Funeral rider: Ksh100,000 to Ksh500,000

Medical assessment is typically required for higher-value covers, particularly above Ksh15M.

Who Benefits Most from the Whole Life Insurance Plan?

The plan is suited for individuals with long-term financial priorities, including:

Professionals building sustainable wealth.
Business owners planning for continuity.
Families seeking structured inheritance planning.
Individuals focused on long-term financial security.

It is designed for forward-looking financial decisions rather than short-term needs.

Start Your Plan Early

Britam’s Whole Life Insurance Plan provides a structured way to secure dependents, protect accumulated wealth, and ensure continuity beyond one’s lifetime.

To explore the Whole Life Insurance Plan and request a quote, click here.

Easier still, reach a Britam representative via call, SMS or WhatsApp on 0705100100.

Alternatively, send an email to [email protected]

Britam Connect Launches Heshima Farewell Plan to Ease Funeral Costs

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

In a move aimed at easing the growing financial strain associated with funerals, Britam Connect, the micro-insurance arm of Britam Holdings Plc, has partnered with Montezuma Funeral Home to introduce the Heshima Farewell Plan.

This is a last-expense policy designed to support Kenyan families during times of loss.

The launch comes against the backdrop of steadily rising funeral costs across the country.

In major urban cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, funerals can now cost upwards of KShs 300,000.

Even in rural areas, families are increasingly grappling with higher expenses driven by transportation, mortuary fees, coffins, ceremonies, and catering for mourners.

The partnership with Montezuma Funeral Home moves the offering beyond a traditional cash payout into a fully managed funeral service solution.

Bereaved families are supported with end-to-end funeral arrangements that – depending on the package – can include:

Mortuary service payments
Hearse and transportation to any destination countrywide.
Casket.
Wreaths and casket flowers.
Portrait preparation.
Obituary support.
Funeral programs.
Chapel service.
Limousine hearse.

Approved by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), the Heshima Farewell Plan provides financial support for burial and related expenses arising from both natural and accidental death.

Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home, Nairobi. (Image: Files)

The goal is to ensure families can accord their loved ones a dignified send-off without the added pressure of financial hardship.

Speaking at the launch, Britam Connect CEO and Principal Officer, Evah Kimani, said:

“The burden of funeral expenses continues to challenge many families in Kenya.

With the Heshima Farewell Plan, we aim to ease this burden and encourage people to plan for the unexpected, so families can focus on grieving without financial stress.”

Recent findings by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) show that the average funeral budget for a middle-class Kenyan family range between KShs 50,000 and KShs 300,000, underscoring the urgent need for affordable solutions.

The Heshima Farewell Plan offers flexible coverage options tailored to different income levels.

The Basic Cover provides KShs 100,000 at an annual premium of KShs 1,000, while the Standard Cover offers KShs 150,000 for KShs 1,400 per year.

For those seeking higher protection, the Executive Cover provides KShs 300,000 at an annual premium of KShs 1,700, and the Premium Cover offers KShs 500,000 for KShs 1,850 annually.

“We see firsthand the emotional and financial strain families go through when they lose a loved one.

This partnership with Britam Connect allows us to support families more holistically, ensuring they can give their loved ones a respectful send-off without the added burden of unexpected costs,”

Noted Montezuma Funeral Home Operations Manager, Josh Karuga.

The policy is accessible to a wide range of family members.

Applicants and their spouses aged between 18 and 70 years are eligible, with renewable coverage up to age 80.

Children from one month to 18 years and students up to 25 years with proof of enrolment can also be included.

Additionally, parents and parents-in-law can join up to age 80, with coverage extending to age 85. Waiting periods range from one to six months, depending on the cause of death.

Despite the clear need, funeral insurance uptake in Kenya remains relatively low, with many families still relying on welfare groups, community contributions, or loans to meet funeral costs.

Britam Connect hopes the new plan will not only provide immediate financial relief but also drive greater awareness and adoption of funeral insurance nationwide.

The launch also marks Britam Connect’s continued expansion in the funeral insurance space, following an earlier partnership with Francis Funeral Home in Busia, which focused on serving communities in Western Kenya.

With the Heshima Farewell Plan, Britam Connect is positioning itself at the forefront of inclusive insurance solutions, offering Kenyan families both financial security and peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.

Basic Safety Tips to Remember When Caught in Flood Waters

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Kibaki Muthamia

When floodwaters rise around a vehicle, the instinct to save the car can be strong – but safety must always come first.

If your car becomes stuck in floodwater, switch off the engine and abandon the vehicle. Take steps to move to higher or drier ground.

The vehicle can be recovered later, but your life cannot be replaced.

If you are certain of your safety, you can document the scene. Such footage can be useful when making an insurance claim.

In such moments, having the right insurance cover can mean the difference between a major financial setback and a quicker recovery.

That’s where Britam Insurance comes highly recommended.

Britam Comprehensive Motor insurance

Britam’s Comprehensive Motor Insurance provides broad protection against risks that may affect a vehicle, including accidental damage, theft, fire and third-party liability.

This package covers flood damage as an insured peril, meaning that if your vehicle is submerged due to heavy rainfall or flash flooding – you have grounds for compensation.

Besides floods, this cover also protects vehicle owners against:

Accidental damage to the vehicle
Theft or total loss of the vehicle
Fire damage
Malicious damage
Third-party liability for injury or property damage caused to others

In severe cases where repair costs exceed a significant portion of the insured value – the policy may treat the vehicle as a total loss.

There are additional benefits under Britam’s motor insurance, as well:

Windscreen cover
Cover for theft of audio and video accessories
Protection for spare wheels, jacks and toolboxes
Recovery and towing after an accident
A no-claim discount that can reach up to 60% for drivers who do not make claims over time

Applying For Britam Motor Insurance via WhatsApp (10 minute process)

Britam has eliminated traditional application barriers by enabling complete sign-up through WhatsApp.

It is very convenient without unnecessary delays in queues or endless paperwork. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and save the number 0705 100 100 to your contacts.

Step 2: Send a message saying “Hi” to 0705 100 100.

Step 3: You will receive an automated response. Select “Invest with Britam” from the menu options provided.

Step 4: The system will prompt you to key in your national ID number.

Step 5: Follow the subsequent prompts to open a new account. You will be asked for:

Your KRA PIN
Residential address
Occupation
How you were introduced to Britam (e.g., through a Britam financial adviser, if applicable, enter their phone number)

Step 6: Accept the terms and conditions when prompted.

Step 7: You will receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS. Enter this OTP to verify your identity.

Step 8: Complete the application by selecting your preferred coverage option.

Step 9: Make your initial premium payment via

M-Pesa: using the paybill number 4157051.

Paybill number: 415 7051
Account number: Member card number (provided during the registration process).

The entire process – from initial WhatsApp message to policy activation – can be completed in under 10 minutes.

In case of an emergency that needs immediate assistance, Britam’s 24/7 Road Rescue team is available:

Call 0705 100 100.

Protection for Homes and Rental Property

While flooded roads often dominate headlines, many homes also suffer significant damage during heavy rains.

Britam offers Homeowners Insurance – which covers residential buildings against risks such as storms and floods.

The policy can also extend to household contents, theft and third-party liability for accidents within the property.

Property owners have the Landlord Insurance package which compensates for loss of income if a rental property becomes temporarily uninhabitable after a flood.

Note: The Homeowners and the Landlord Insurance packages are not available for application via WhatsApp Bella. To apply, follow this link to the website.

Convenient Fast-Track Claims Process

For comprehensive motor insurance customers with minor vehicle damage, Britam offers the Britam AI Motor Assessment Service.

This is an innovative AI-powered drive-through claims facility designed to fast-track the settlement.

At the assessment centre in Nairobi, vehicles are inspected and photographed, after which a digital claim form is sent directly to the customer’s phone.

Once submitted, the claim is reviewed quickly.

The approved settlements are processed through bank transfer, mobile money, or repair authorisation at approved garages.

Stop Wasting Time. Start the Process Now

When the rains come, the difference between loss and recovery often comes down to preparation.

Apply easily via Whatsapp no. 0705 100 100.

Alternatively, prompt a call back from a Britam Insurance agent using this link, to get more information.