Britam convened more than 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thika on May 13, 2026 for its Biashara Network forum, a nationwide engagement series aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate economic pressures and pursue growth opportunities.

The forum, held under the theme “Unlocking SME Potential and Growth in Kenya: Profits Under Pressure,” brought together business owners from multiple sectors alongside financial experts and partners including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and HFC Limited, according to a statement from the company.

The meeting comes as SMEs remain central to Kenya’s economy and employment. Britam cited Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data indicating the country has more than 7.4 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The company added that the sector employs over 14.9 million people, contributes between 30% and 34% of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP), and accounts for more than 90% of private enterprises, based on KNBS figures.

Britam Chief Operating Officer Leonard Chirchir said the insurer’s approach is to pair engagement with solutions for entrepreneurs. “Thika is built on the resilience, determination, and innovation of hardworking entrepreneurs who wake up every day to create jobs, grow industries, and keep our economy moving. At Britam, we are proud to walk this journey with SMEs by providing solutions that not only protect their businesses today, but also secure a better tomorrow for generations to come,” Chirchir said.

James Muriithi, CEO of Savannah Mabati Ltd and the forum’s chief guest, told attendees that adaptation and investment decisions would shape business performance despite tighter margins. “Profits may be under pressure, but opportunity is not lost. The businesses that will define Kenya’s future are those willing to adapt, invest in relationships, embrace technology, and remain consistent even in difficult seasons. SMEs are not small players in the economy; they are the engine that powers Kenya’s growth story,” Muriithi said.

Britam said it chose Thika for its role in Central Kenya’s economic corridor, citing the town’s agricultural and industrial activity as well as its proximity to Nairobi and established entrepreneurial culture.

For Kenya’s business landscape, such forums highlight the increasing focus by financial services firms and business associations on non-credit interventions—such as training, networking and partnerships—to address operational challenges facing SMEs. In a high-cost environment, entrepreneurs typically seek support on risk management, access to finance, and business continuity planning, areas that insurers and lenders can influence through products and advisory programmes.

Britam said the Thika forum forms part of a broader nationwide initiative to support entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing and partnerships. The company did not provide details on the next locations or dates for subsequent sessions, but indicated the Biashara Network will continue as a countrywide engagement.

Britam Holdings Plc has reported an 8% increase in pre-tax profit to KES 7.9 billion (Shs 7.9 billion) for the year ended December 31, 2025, citing growth in insurance revenue, higher investment income and cost management across Kenya and its regional operations.

In a media statement dated March 31, 2026 in Nairobi, the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed financial services group said the performance came in what it described as a “challenging macroeconomic environment” across its markets. Britam operates in seven African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique and Malawi, according to the company.

Insurance revenue increased 11% to KES 41.7 billion (Shs 41.7 billion), which Britam attributed to “sustained top line growth in the Life and General Insurance businesses in Kenya and the regions.” Net investment income rose 4% to KES 31.9 billion (Shs 31.9 billion), which the company said was supported by “steady portfolio returns.”

Britam also reported a stronger balance sheet, with total equity rising to KES 35.1 billion (Shs 35.1 billion) from KES 29.5 billion (Shs 29.5 billion), which it attributed to profitability and balance-sheet management. Investment assets grew to KES 220.7 billion (Shs 220.7 billion), according to the statement.

“These results reflect the resilience of our business and the progress we have made in building a more agile, customer-focused and digitally enabled organization. We are entering our next strategy cycle from a position of strength, with clear momentum across our chosen markets,” said Tom Gitogo, Britam Group Managing Director and CEO.

The company said FY2025 marked the final year of its 2021–2025 strategy cycle, EPIC², and the start of a new 2026–2030 strategy dubbed ASCEND. Britam said the ASCEND strategy is built around six pillars: African Expansion, Sustainability and Governance, Customer Obsession, Execution Excellence, Nurturing People and Partnerships, and Digitalization and Innovation.

“2025 also marked the close of our EPIC² Strategy (2021–2025) which restored the Group to profitability while accelerating digital adoption and operational efficiency,” Gitogo said, adding that the year coincided with Britam’s 60th anniversary.

As part of its operational updates for 2025, Britam said it officially launched Britam Connect, which it described as a microinsurance subsidiary, as it sought to deepen financial inclusion. The company also said it improved customer experience through “new digital systems and revamped branches,” adding that customer satisfaction rose to 98%—a figure it attributed to its own measurements.

For Kenya’s insurance and financial services sector, Britam’s results signal continued importance of investment income in earnings performance, particularly in an environment where market returns and interest-rate conditions can materially affect insurers’ profitability. The company’s emphasis on microinsurance and digital distribution also reflects intensifying competition for mass-market customers and a broader industry shift toward lower-cost, technology-enabled channels.

On shareholder returns, Britam said its board did not recommend payment of a dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Looking ahead, the group is expected to outline execution priorities under its 2026–2030 ASCEND strategy, including its expansion plans and the role of technology investments across its insurance and asset management lines.