• By Raymond Momanyi

Understanding Insurance in Kenya: The Full Guide (2025 Edition)

When it comes to insurance in Kenya, most people just think “car insurance” — but the world of insurance goes way deeper than that. Whether you’re insuring your health, your home, your business, or your life, there’s a policy for every risk you face.

At Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, we believe in helping Kenyans understand what they’re paying for — not just buying a policy, but buying peace of mind. So, let’s break it down.
 

The Two Main Types of Insurance in Kenya

 
Insurance is broadly divided into two categories:
 

1. General (Non-Life) Insurance — covers short-term or annual risks like motor, health, fire, and business liabilities.
2. Life Insurance — long-term protection that includes life assurance, investment, and pension products.

General (Non-Life) Insurance

 
General insurance deals with short-term covers that protect you or your business from immediate, measurable risks. It’s grouped into personal and commercial categories — and under that, Kenya recognizes 14 key classes:
 

1. Aviation Insurance

 
Protects aircraft owners and operators from aviation-related risks — from damage to the plane to third-party liabilities.
 

2. Engineering Insurance

 
Covers contractors, builders, and industries for risks related to machinery, plant, or construction — such as Contractors All Risks (CAR), Erection All Risks, and Machinery Breakdown.
 

3. Home (Fire Domestic) Insurance

 
Covers your house and household items against fire, theft, and natural perils. You can extend it to cover domestic workers and personal liabilities.
 

4. Fire Industrial Insurance

 
Protects factories, warehouses, and offices against fire, lightning, or explosion damage — including stock, furniture, and equipment.
 

5. Public Liability Insurance

 
Covers claims for injury or property damage caused by your business operations. Includes product and professional liability.
 

6. Marine Insurance

 
Covers ships, cargo, and goods in transit — whether by sea, air, or land. A must-have for importers and exporters.
 

7. Motor Private & Commercial Insurance

 
Covers loss, damage, and third-party liabilities.
 

• Motor Private: For personal cars.
• Motor Commercial: For pickups, trucks, and vans used in business.
  You can choose Comprehensive or Third-Party Only (TPO) — and add extensions like Excess Protector, Political Violence & Terrorism (PVT), or COMESA Yellow Card for regional coverage.

8. Personal Accident Insurance

 
Pays compensation in case of accidental injury, disability, or death. Individuals or groups (like employees) can take it.
 

9. Theft Insurance

 
Covers losses due to theft or burglary, including money in transit and business premises.
 

10. Work Injury Benefits Act(WIBA)

 
Mandatory in Kenya — covers employees who get injured, disabled, or die while working.
 

11. Medical Insurance

 
Covers hospital and outpatient costs for individuals, families, or companies. You can include dental, optical, and maternity benefits.
 

12. Micro Insurance

 
Affordable insurance for low-income earners — protecting specific risks like health, funeral, or farming losses.
 

13. Miscellaneous Insurance

 
Everything else — from travel, golf, agriculture, plate glass, to bonds.
 
 

Life Insurance in Kenya

 
Life insurance is long-term — a promise to take care of your loved ones even when you’re gone. It can also act as a savings or investment tool.
 
Main categories include:
 

1. Individual Life Insurance

 
Policies like Term Assurance, Whole Life, Endowment, and Investment Plans.
 

2. Group Life Insurance

 
Covers employees under one policy. Includes Group Credit, Mortgage Protection, and Last Expense covers.
 

3. Pension & Retirement Plans

 
Help individuals or groups save for retirement. Managed by insurance firms and regulated by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
 

4. Annuities

 
Provide lifetime income after paying a lump sum to an insurer.
 

5. Investment/Unit-Linked Contracts

 
Combine life protection and investment growth under one policy.
 

6. Funeral Insurance

 
Pays out to cover funeral expenses. Can be standalone or attached to life or medical policies.
 
 

Insurance Regulation in Kenya

 
The insurance sector in Kenya is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) under the Insurance Act.

Pensions are further regulated by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
 
These bodies ensure your insurer or intermediary operates ethically and meets financial obligations — so your cover actually protects you when you need it most.
 

About Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd

 
Based in Westlands, Nairobi, Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd is your trusted intermediary connecting you to Kenya’s leading insurance companies.

Whether you’re looking for motor, medical, life, travel, or business insurance, Imana helps you:
✅ Compare quotes from multiple insurers
✅ Understand cover terms before you buy
✅ Manage your portfolio and renewals
✅ Support your claim process till settlement

👉 Visit www.imana.co.ke or www.mykava.co.ke

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0113619635 | 0745218460 | 0113806810
 
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