KCB Group CEO Paul Russo joined policymakers, investors and development finance institutions at the 3rd Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa in Nairobi to discuss how private investment can accelerate climate solutions across the continent, according to a statement circulated after the event.

The summit was held at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel and brought together business leaders, senior government officials and sustainability experts to explore financing pathways for Africa’s green transition. The discussions covered mobilisation of capital, climate resilience, and positioning Africa as a destination for sustainable investment, the statement said.

According to the statement, the forum included Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, private sector representatives including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and global investors including the French Chamber of Commerce. Agenda items included unlocking private investment in climate solutions, strengthening sustainable urban development and mobility, and financing climate-resilient energy and infrastructure.

KCB participated in a high-level panel titled “Climate Finance, Equity, and the Just Transition: Unlocking Private Investments in Kenya and Africa,” which the statement said was moderated by journalist Yvonne Okwara.

During the discussion, Russo said partnerships would be critical to making climate projects bankable and investable. “We have built a team of subject matter experts, and we are therefore equipped to co-create solutions,” Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO, said in the statement.

He also pointed to structural constraints in the climate finance market, arguing that stronger collaboration is needed among development finance institutions, governments and commercial banks to share risk, improve project pipelines and unlock long-term capital, according to the statement.

Russo linked the remarks to KCB’s sustainability strategy, saying the lender is prioritising financing for renewable energy, clean technologies and low-carbon growth. “We have set a target to allocate 25% of our total loan book to green financing, helping accelerate the transition toward sustainable industries,” Russo said.

The remarks come as Kenyan banks and corporates seek to finance energy transition and climate adaptation projects at a time when long-tenor, affordable capital remains limited for many borrowers. In Kenya, demand for funding is being driven by renewable energy build-out, climate-smart agriculture, e-mobility, and resilient infrastructure—sectors that often require blended finance structures, guarantees, or concessional capital to close viability gaps.

For the financial sector, commitments such as allocating a share of loan books to green financing can influence competition for climate-aligned deals and may increase pressure to strengthen internal capacity for climate risk assessment and project evaluation. The availability of investable projects—with robust feasibility studies, permitting progress and credible offtake arrangements—remains a key bottleneck across East Africa, market participants say.

Looking ahead, the push for scaled climate finance is expected to continue through policy engagement and deal structuring between banks, development finance institutions and government agencies as Kenya and the region expand pipelines of renewable energy, clean transport and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) on 23 March 2026 announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting a 26% rise in pre-tax profit and a 21% increase in profit after tax to KES 10.7 billion, according to the bank’s statement issued in Nairobi.

DTB attributed the performance to a 15% increase in total assets, a 14% rise in top-line revenues and cost controls that limited operating expense growth to 7% during the year. Customer deposits grew 14% to KES 509 billion, while net loans expanded 14% to KES 324 billion, the bank said.

The lender said customer numbers across East Africa increased to 4.5 million at the end of 2025 from 3.1 million a year earlier, supported by a 157-branch network and a focus on mid-market, SME and retail segments through what it described as “ecosystem banking”.

Asset quality metrics improved, with DTB reporting a reduction in the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio to 10.8% from 12.3% in the prior year. The group’s specific coverage ratio rose to 51.1% from 39.6%, DTB said, adding it is targeting a single-digit NPL ratio by the end of 2026. The bank also reported shareholders’ equity had crossed KES 100 billion.

Following the results, DTB said its Board of Directors has recommended an increased dividend of KES 9 per share.

Nasim Devji, Group Chief Executive Officer at DTB, said the lender’s results reflected execution and operational efficiency. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy and the resilience of our business model. We have delivered quality growth while maintaining strong discipline and enhancing operational efficiency. Our continued investment in digital capabilities is enabling us to serve our customers better and expand access to financial services across our markets,” Devji said.

Murali Natarajan, DTB Kenya Chief Executive Officer, said the bank was also tracking non-financial outcomes alongside profit. “Our performance is not only measured by financial returns, but also by the impact we create. Through our initiatives, we are supporting communities, advancing financial inclusion, and contributing to climate action,” Natarajan said.

DTB’s results come as Kenyan lenders continue to navigate credit risk, funding competition and the shifting cost of capital environment, with NPL management and deposit mobilisation remaining central to profitability. DTB’s reported decline in NPLs and improved provisioning coverage point to a tighter approach to credit risk and recovery, while double-digit growth in deposits and loans suggests continued appetite for credit in its target segments, particularly SMEs and retail borrowers.

The bank also disclosed selected sustainability and social metrics. DTB said it had grown over one million trees under its Much More Than Trees initiative, reached more than 30,000 girls through its Achieve More Girl programme, and trained over 10,000 individuals and MSMEs in financial literacy and enterprise development as at the end of 2025.

Looking ahead, DTB said it will continue focusing on business growth, digital innovation and customer support across segments, while advancing its sustainability agenda. Investors will watch for the bank’s progress towards its single-digit NPL target by end-2026 and for further guidance on dividend approval timelines and capital deployment as loan growth continues.

KCB Rugby has turned its attention to the Kenya Cup playoffs following an 11-10 defeat to Uganda’s Black Pirates in an Enterprise Cup quarter-final played at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, according to a statement shared by the club. The narrow loss ends KCB’s Enterprise Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage and shifts the team’s immediate competitive focus to domestic league ambitions.

The match was decided by fine margins, with KCB failing to convert tries in a game where points from the tee ultimately separated the sides. Black Pirates took a 6-0 halftime lead after Mukore Wayne converted two penalties, while KCB’s scoring only came in the second half.

KCB got on the scoreboard through a try by Sheldon Kahi, narrowing the deficit to 6-5, but a missed conversion by Levy Amunga kept the Kenyan side behind. Black Pirates responded with a try by Okelo to extend their advantage to 11-5. KCB then closed the gap when Michael Wekesa scored, bringing the score to 11-10, but another missed conversion—this time by Wahinya—meant KCB could not take the lead.

KCB Forwards Coach Brian Nyikuli said the team would use the loss as a learning point as it prepares for the playoffs. “We lost a tight one, and credit to Pirates for taking their chances. For us, the focus now shifts fully to the Kenya Cup playoffs. That is where our season will be defined, and we have to be sharper in those key moments,” Nyikuli said.

KCB Rugby captain Bob Muhati also framed the result as a setback that would inform preparations for the next phase of the season. “It is a tough loss, especially in a game decided by such small margins. But we take the lessons and move forward. Our focus is now on the Kenya Cup playoffs, and we believe we have what it takes to compete and finish strong,” Muhati said.

The result comes as Kenyan clubs increasingly measure performance across multiple competitions, balancing league priorities with knockout tournaments that carry regional exposure. For KCB—backed by KCB Bank’s wider sports sponsorship portfolio—results in high-profile fixtures can influence brand visibility and fan engagement, while also shaping the club’s competitive standing ahead of decisive domestic matches.

In its background note, KCB said its sports sponsorship footprint spans several disciplines, listing KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Football Club among its owned sports assets, alongside support for other sports including chess, athletics and golf. The bank added that it has invested “millions of shillings” in sponsorships over the years, though it did not provide a specific figure in the statement.

For Kenyan rugby, the shift to the Kenya Cup playoffs places greater weight on squad depth, discipline and goal-kicking efficiency—areas highlighted by KCB’s missed conversions in the Uganda fixture. With playoff matches typically decided by narrow scorelines, execution in set pieces and accuracy off the tee can be the difference between elimination and progression.

KCB did not provide dates for its Kenya Cup playoff fixtures in the statement. The club said further information could be obtained through Peter Mwaura Kimani, Group Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Relations at KCB Group.

The Kenya Dental Association (KDA), working with Mars Wrigley Kenya, Gemsmiles Foundation and other partners, provided free dental consultations and treatment to more than 7,000 people during World Oral Health Day activities in Nairobi, the organisations said in a statement dated March 21, 2026.

The annual event, marked globally on March 20, included a series of dental camps and an oral health awareness walk in Nairobi. KDA said the outreach offered screenings and services such as extractions, cleaning, fillings and root canal treatments.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s oral healthcare system continues to face staffing and access gaps, especially outside major urban centres. KDA said the current dentist-to-population ratio stands at 1:37,800, compared with the World Health Organization’s recommended benchmark of 1:7,000, limiting access to care for many households.

KDA said it used the commemoration to press for policy and investment measures aimed at reducing regional disparities in service availability. The association called for “investment in equitable deployment of oral health professionals including dentists and community oral health officers to address gaps across counties and underserved communities,” noting what it described as disproportionate distribution of dental professionals and facilities between urban and rural areas.

“Oral health remains one of the most overlooked components of overall health, yet the burden of untreated dental disease is significant and often preventable,” said Dr. Kahura Mundia, President of the Kenya Dental Association. “Beyond providing services and education as part of celebrating World Oral Health Day, we are also spotlighting systemic challenges that keep care out of reach for many families.”

In the statement, KDA also pointed to affordability constraints, arguing that the cost of neglected dental conditions, combined with limited benefits for oral health under both public and private insurance schemes, can place treatment out of reach for many patients.

Mars Wrigley Kenya said its support focused on prevention and early action through community-based interventions. “Preventive oral care habits and regular check-ups are among the most effective ways to reduce the burden of oral disease,” said Victoria Macharia, Corporate Affairs Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mars Wrigley. “Through this collaboration with KDA and partners, we are supporting community-based interventions that create awareness, encourage early action, and expand access, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.”

The World Oral Health Day programme in Nairobi included an awareness walk flagged off from Ulinzi Stadium, bringing together oral health professionals, community partners and advocates, according to the organisers. KDA said the walk was complemented by a dental camp in Kibra that provided free consultations and treatment, including screening, cleaning, fluoride application, emergency care and procedures such as extractions and root canal treatments.

For Kenya’s healthcare sector, the staffing figures and financing constraints cited by KDA underscore a broader challenge for county health systems: scaling preventive services and specialised care while expanding coverage mechanisms that reduce out-of-pocket spending. Expanded insurance benefits for dental care could also increase patient demand for services, with implications for private clinics and suppliers, while also raising the need for workforce growth and distribution across counties.

Looking ahead, KDA said it wants policymakers, healthcare providers and partners to strengthen policies that support universal access to oral healthcare, and to expand insurance coverage for essential dental services. Mars Wrigley said its current support builds on earlier community dental camps in Lamu, Narok, Makueni and Nairobi that provided screenings, education and basic treatment services.

Safaricom Plc, through its youth platform Safaricom Hook, has partnered with The Coca-Cola Company’s Sprite brand to host a Hook’d on Fresh Masterclass Series session at the University of Eldoret, with the companies saying the programme trained more than 300 youths on content creation, monetisation and financial literacy.

In a press release dated March 20, 2026, Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) said the Eldoret session followed an earlier stop at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) last week, which it said marked the first event in the series. The company said the university tour is intended to build digital skills among young Kenyans and expose students to opportunities in the technology and digital economy.

The Eldoret training featured what Safaricom described as industry mentors, including musician Collo Blue and dance creator Tileh Pacbro, who the company said shared practical insights with participants.

Student participants linked the training to broader use of digital platforms in academics. “I am happy that Safaricom and Sprite have brought this masterclass to our University today. I have learned that in addition to entertainment, platforms, like Safaricom Hook are also useful in studies and research, because of the affordable Internet bundles,” said Norman Kipkurgat, a second-year student at University of Eldoret, according to the statement.

Safaricom said the programme also included messaging on savings and financial habits. “The Hook’d on Fresh campaign is a digital influencer hosted creator program designed to equip Kenyan creators with the skills, tools and inspiration they need to thrive in the digital content economy. Today, we've also have been speaking to the youth about the importance of adopting a saving culture early, educating them on the diverse opportunities in tech and digital space,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom.

Beyond the campus sessions, the companies have launched a Hook’d on Fresh user-generated content (UGC) challenge that Safaricom said will run nationwide and be hosted on TikTok and Instagram. The statement said participants will post short-form videos across music, sports, fashion and comedy using the hashtags #Hook’donfresh and #SafaricomHook, while tagging Sprite Kenya and the Safaricom Hook page.

Safaricom said the competition will use a tiered rewards system, with 403 digital creators expected to win across nine levels. Cash prizes range from KES 3,000 to KES 20,000, alongside non-cash rewards including smartphones and data bundles, with monthly winner selection, according to the press release.

The initiative lands as Kenyan telcos and consumer brands increasingly use creator-led training and competitions to capture youth attention and drive usage of digital platforms, including content and fintech services. Safaricom’s focus on financial literacy and savings tools alongside creator training reflects a broader market push to deepen engagement among younger customers as digital income opportunities and mobile-first financial services expand.

Safaricom said the Hook’d on Fresh Masterclass Series will continue touring universities across the country, and that the sessions will include exposure to products such as Ziidi Invest and Save. The company did not provide a full tour schedule or the total budget for the programme, but indicated the UGC challenge will award prizes monthly as the campus activations continue.

KCB Rugby will face Uganda’s Black Pirates on March 21 at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku in an Enterprise Cup quarterfinal, as the Kenyan club seeks to advance in the region’s knockout competition.

The tie comes as KCB build on domestic momentum after a 57-17 win over Daystar Falcons in the Kenya Cup, a match the club said was played at the Falcons’ home ground. KCB are five-time winners of the Enterprise Cup, according to the statement.

The match adds a cross-border dimension to the club’s season and underscores the increasing interlinkage of East African rugby competitions, which often serve as platforms for player development, fan engagement and brand visibility for corporate-backed teams. For Kenyan corporates with sports properties, regional fixtures can extend reach beyond the local market while testing squad depth amid national team call-ups.

KCB Rugby Assistant Coach Jacob Ojee said the team expects a tougher contest in knockout rugby, particularly away from home. “We are coming off a strong performance against Daystar Falcons, and that gives us confidence, but knockout rugby is a different challenge. Pirates are a quality side, especially at home, and we are not underestimating the threat they pose. We have prepared well, and the boys understand what is at stake,” Ojee said.

KCB said it will be without head coach Andrew Amonde and players Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Floyd Wabwire and Festus Shiasi, who are away on national duty at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Rio de Janeiro. The absences are expected to place additional emphasis on squad rotation and leadership from the remaining core of the team.

In their place, the club said it will rely on players including Miheso Eric, Andy Cole Omolo, Tyson Maina, Emmanuel Silungi, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Olukusi and Jenkins Kipruto to step up for the quarterfinal.

Separately, KCB-affiliated side KCB Kobs will play Nondescripts at the ASK Showground in Nakuru in another Enterprise Cup fixture, according to the statement. KCB Kobs assistant coach Keith Sseruyange said the team is preparing for the demands of an away match. “It is always tough playing away from home, but the boys are ready for the challenge. We respect Nondescripts, but we are focused on our structures and execution. If we stay disciplined and take our chances, we believe we can get a positive result,” Sseruyange said.

The fixtures come against the backdrop of KCB Bank’s wider sports sponsorship portfolio in Kenya, which the bank says includes KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Football Club, as well as support for other sports such as chess, athletics and golf. The bank said it has spent “millions of shillings” on sponsorships over the years, without providing a specific figure in the statement.

For Kenyan rugby, the immediate implication is that KCB’s Enterprise Cup run will be shaped by how effectively the club manages player availability during international windows and maintains performance levels in away matches. Strong results in regional competitions can also support the competitiveness of Kenyan clubs relative to their Ugandan counterparts.

Next, KCB Rugby and KCB Kobs will seek to translate their preparations into wins to keep their Enterprise Cup campaigns on track, with progression in the knockout tournament expected to be determined by depth and execution amid a congested calendar.

Kayole Starlets have signed three players from the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team to strengthen their squad for the second leg of the Kenya Women’s Premier League, according to a press release dated March 20, 2026.

The Nairobi-based side said it has recruited goalkeeper Sonia Wambui, striker Calta Nasambu and Naomi Nanjala Masinde, adding that all three have already joined the team.

The signings come as Kayole Starlets, currently seventh on the league table, seek to push for a top-three finish in the remaining matches, the club said.

The club said the trio previously featured for Barcelona Ladies SC from Laikipia, a team that competes in the National Super League (NSL), reflecting the continued movement of talent from second-tier competition into the top flight of women’s football in Kenya.

Kayole Starlets also linked the players’ progression to Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba grassroots football programme. According to the statement, Wambui, Nasambu and Masinde were part of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars squad that travelled to Huesca, Spain, for a bootcamp in September last year. The club added that the players featured for Barcelona Ladies SC during Season Four of the tournament, representing the Central Region at the national finals held in Kisumu.

Naomi Wanjala said she viewed the move as a step up after playing in the NSL. “I am excited to join Kayole Starlets. It has always been my ambition to play in the Kenya Premier League after competing in the National Super League. Joining mid-season gives me an opportunity to contribute to the team’s success in the remaining matches. Safaricom Chapa Dimba has played a significant role in my football journey. It is through this platform that I am here today, playing for Kayole Starlets,” Naomi Wanjala said in the press release.

Sonia Wambui also credited the tournament for creating a pathway to top-flight football. “Honestly, Chapa Dimba goes beyond a normal football tournament, it means a lot to young talents in this country. I want to thank Kayole Starlets for believing in me, and I promise to give my best. It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and showcase my talent not just locally, but globally. This is a great platform and opportunity for me,” Wambui said.

The club said the three additions join Eunice ‘Bobi’ Nabwoba and Praxedes Shivikhwa, who also featured in Season Four of Chapa Dimba. According to the statement, Nabwoba previously played for Amus College in Uganda before joining Kayole Starlets.

Coach Joshua Sakwa said Kayole Starlets has increasingly relied on players developed through grassroots tournaments. “I believe tournaments like Safaricom Chapa Dimba offer invaluable lessons when it comes to supporting, nurturing and showcasing grassroots talent. The tournament plays a crucial role in spotting, developing, and showcasing young players. Currently, we have around five players who were part of the Chapa Dimba tournament in our squad. They are quality players, and we are confident they will help us push for a strong finish this season,” Joshua Sakwa, Kayole Starlets coach, said during a training session at Calvary Sports Grounds in Nairobi, according to the press release.

The development is significant for Kenya’s wider sports business ecosystem, where corporate-backed youth programmes are a key pipeline for clubs seeking affordable talent amid tight budgets and limited commercial revenues in women’s football. Safaricom Chapa Dimba targets youth aged 16 to 20, according to the statement, and is positioned as a national platform for identifying and developing talent.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba said more than 30 players from the most recent season have joined clubs competing in the NSL and the Kenya Premier League. The statement listed examples including Emily Morang’a (Kenya Police), Duncan Omala (Nairobi United), Derick Okech (Shabana FC), Austine Odongo (Shabana FC), Stanley Waswa (Ulinzi Stars), Hamis Nyale (Ulinzi Stars), Bryton Otieno (Gor Mahia), Brian Aroko (Tusker Youth), Neddy Kithinji (3K FC), Lorrine Illavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens) and Swaumu Masungo (Kibera Soccer Women), among others.

Looking ahead, Kayole Starlets’ ability to translate the mid-season reinforcements into improved results will be tested in the remaining fixtures as the club targets a climb from seventh place into the top three, with the new signings expected to integrate immediately.

LG Electronics East Africa has reinforced its retail partnership with Carrefour Kenya through a two-week consumer campaign conducted during the Carrefour Brand Festival, culminating in a live prize draw at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi on March 19, 2025.

According to LG, the campaign was run in selected Carrefour outlets and required customers to purchase selected LG products worth at least KES 14,000 to qualify for entry into a draw. Prizes included LG appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines and smart televisions.

The company said the initiative took place during the Carrefour Brand Festival, an event it said brought together 45 consumer brands offering promotional pricing and customer rewards. LG described itself as one of the headline partners at the festival, using the period to showcase its home appliances and electronics while strengthening its commercial relationship with Carrefour, which it termed an important retail distributor in the region.

The campaign also underscores the role of large-format retailers in Kenya’s formal consumer goods and electronics market, where brands increasingly rely on organised retail outlets to reach urban shoppers and run measurable, store-based promotions. For electronics and home appliances, retail-led campaigns can support demand by combining point-of-sale visibility with consumer financing options and bundled promotions, although LG did not disclose sales volumes or the total value of prizes issued.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Irene Mwangi, Regional Manager in LG East Africa’s Go-to-Market team, linked the promotion to Carrefour’s growth in Kenya and LG’s plans to continue working with the retailer across the region.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Carrefour, a partner that has played an important role in bringing our products closer to customers,” Mwangi said, according to the press release.

Mwangi added: “This campaign demonstrated how strong partnerships can translate into real value for consumers while strengthening the retail ecosystem that supports technology access across the region. As LG, we remain committed to deepening this relationship as we continue delivering innovation that responds to the needs of today’s connected homes.”

In Kenya, partnerships between multinational electronics brands and large retailers such as Carrefour have become a key route to market, particularly as retailers expand their store networks in major urban centres. LG said Carrefour’s footprint over the past decade has made it a significant channel for reaching a growing base of urban consumers, positioning joint campaigns as commercially relevant for both companies.

Going forward, similar promotions are likely to remain a feature of the appliances and consumer electronics segment, as brands compete for shopper attention in an environment of price sensitivity and higher household cost pressures. LG did not announce the timing of a follow-up campaign, but said it intends to deepen collaboration with Carrefour across East Africa.

Kenyan pop collective Matata has released a new single, ‘Nyongi’, featuring Tanzanian artist Marioo, as the first offering from its upcoming EP titled ‘ERA (East Rise Again)’, according to a press release dated 19 March 2026. The track was produced by Kenyan producer Wodomolo and was recorded in Nairobi.

Matata said the EP is planned as a six-track project scheduled for release in June. The group also announced that another single, ‘Kanairo’, is set for release in May 2026, ahead of the broader EP rollout later in the year.

The cross-border collaboration underscores a growing pattern of East African artists working across markets as streaming platforms increase the regional and international reach of music made in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and other hubs. For Kenya’s music business, such partnerships can expand audience pools, strengthen touring and brand opportunities across the region, and increase the export potential of Kenyan music through shared fan bases.

In the release, Matata described the recording session as a Nairobi studio collaboration that brought together Sheng and Bongo Flava influences. “Something special happened when we teamed up with Marioo. We stepped into the studio in Nairobi and came out with a song that feels bigger than the room it was made in,” Matata said. “It’s Sheng meeting Bongo Flava, Nairobi meeting Dar es Salaam — different places, but the same energy. For us, this isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a moment.”

Marioo, in a separate quote, said the track was built around shared musical elements and performance energy. “Working on ‘Nyongi’ with Matata was an incredible experience. Their energy and unique sound brought something special to the record,” Marioo said. “This song celebrates rhythm, movement and the powerful East African connection in music and I’m excited for fans to experience it and see the energy Matata will bring when performing it live.”

Matata framed ‘ERA (East Rise Again)’ as a regional project expected to include artists from across East Africa. While full collaborator details were not disclosed in the statement, the group positioned the EP as part of a broader push toward a shared regional sound and larger audiences beyond the region.

Streaming performance remains a key commercial metric for East African acts seeking sponsorship, booking and distribution opportunities. Matata said it has surpassed 45 million streams and attracted more than one million listeners across 182 countries, attributing the growth to a rising international following built over the past year.

For Kenyan industry stakeholders—labels, promoters, and brand partners—the release points to continued momentum in cross-border collaborations that can help de-risk market concentration by extending reach into Tanzania and wider diaspora audiences. Such releases also increase the likelihood of multi-city tours and festival bookings, which remain an important revenue stream alongside digital distribution.

Matata said the next milestone is the May 2026 release of ‘Kanairo’, ahead of the June EP release, with additional rollout activity expected later in the year.

Insurance industry stakeholders are urging insurers and intermediaries to improve claims handling as Kenya’s insurance sector seeks to convert recent growth into higher public trust and wider uptake. The calls were made this week in Naivasha during Minet Kenya’s inaugural Claims Conference, held on March 19, 2026, according to a press release from the firm.

The conference brought together insurers, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), claims assessors, loss adjusters and other market players to discuss gaps and best practices in claims management. The meeting comes after what stakeholders described as sustained growth in 2025, with industry assets surpassing KES 1 trillion and premium volumes reaching KES 352.29 billion by the third quarter of 2025, as cited in the release.

The press release said regulators have attributed the sector’s recent expansion to innovation and a growing recognition of insurance as a financial protection tool. However, it added that insurance penetration remains just above 2% of GDP, below the global average of 7%, underscoring what it described as a persistent confidence gap despite rising premium volumes.

At the conference, participants argued that the claims experience is central to how customers judge the value of insurance. They pointed to the need for clear communication, transparency and faster settlement processes as key to improving trust, particularly as product distribution and payments have increasingly moved onto digital and mobile channels.

Minet Kenya Chief Executive Officer Sammy Muthui said customer understanding and fragmentation across the claims ecosystem remain major sources of friction. “The two biggest gaps that have been known to bring friction between insurers and customers are knowledge and silos. When we place insurance covers for clients, they do not always fully understand the terms and conditions. As a result, expectations may not be met, leading to disappointment and frustration at the point of claim,” Muthui said.

He added that multiple parties involved in claims processing often operate independently, which can delay settlement. “On silos, there are many players in the ecosystem, including clients, insurance risk advisors, insurance companies, loss adjusters, loss assessors, insurance investigators and reinsurance companies. Because these players often operate in silos, there is insufficient collaboration, which can affect the smooth settlement of claims,” Muthui said.

The stakeholders also discussed technology as a way to reduce delays and disputes. The press release cited digital platforms, automation and improved data management as tools for modernising claims operations, and pointed to artificial intelligence as a potential enabler for risk assessment, fraud detection and processing efficiency.

The IRA said it is putting more emphasis on market conduct and fairness in customer treatment. Insurance Regulatory Authority Market Conduct Director Anne Chelagat said the regulator has developed a framework to guide insurer-customer relationships from onboarding through to claims. “We have developed a Treating Customers Fairly framework that provides a clear pathway for how customers should be treated throughout their journey, from onboarding to the point of making a claim,” Chelagat said.

She said the regulator is shifting towards more proactive oversight. “We are now placing greater focus on market conduct by becoming more proactive rather than reactive. This includes reassessing the relationship between insurers and their customers from the outset, as well as how both parties conduct themselves, to ensure that when a claim arises, due process is followed and the customer is treated fairly,” Chelagat said.

For Kenya’s insurance market, improved claims outcomes could influence customer retention and help lift penetration, particularly among households and small businesses that remain underinsured. Industry efforts to digitise claims could also drive operational efficiencies, but will likely require stronger data governance and better coordination among insurers, intermediaries, assessors and investigators.

Minet Kenya said stakeholders at the conference reaffirmed a commitment to working more closely across the ecosystem, with the regulator pushing operational tools aimed at translating sector growth into improved customer outcomes. The next test will be whether insurers adopt common service standards and invest in end-to-end claims transformation that matches the pace of innovation in distribution.