From mandatory motor cover to health and life insurance — see how SHA/SHIF fits alongside private cover, and compare policies from providers listed below.
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Back to Compare CategoriesInsurance protects you financially against events you can't predict — an accident, a medical emergency, a death, or damage to your property — by paying a regular premium to a provider that covers the cost if that event happens. All licensed insurers in Kenya are regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), which maintains a public list of licensed companies, brokers, and agents — always worth checking before buying a policy from an unfamiliar provider.
In 2024, Kenya replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), administered by the Social Health Authority (SHA). Instead of NHIF's old fixed contribution bands (capped at KES 1,700 a month), SHIF charges a flat 2.75% of gross salary with no upper cap, so higher earners now contribute proportionally more. SHIF is designed to provide baseline universal health coverage, but many Kenyans still take out private or complementary medical insurance to cover gaps SHIF doesn't reach — higher claim limits, a wider hospital network, or faster access to specialists.
SHA (Social Health Authority) is the government body that replaced NHIF in 2024, and it administers SHIF (the Social Health Insurance Fund). Instead of NHIF's fixed contribution bands capped at KES 1,700 a month, SHIF charges a flat 2.75% of gross salary with no cap, so contributions now scale with income.
Many Kenyans do. SHIF provides baseline universal cover, but private or complementary medical insurance typically offers higher claim limits, access to a wider network of private hospitals, and shorter waiting times — gaps that SHIF-funded care alone may not cover.
Yes. Third-party motor insurance is a legal requirement for every vehicle on Kenyan roads under the Motor Vehicles Third Party Risks Act, with a minimum indemnity of KES 3 million per person per claim. You cannot license or renew a vehicle without valid cover.
Third-party cover only pays for injury or damage you cause to other people and their property — it doesn't cover your own vehicle. Comprehensive cover includes third-party protection plus cover for your own vehicle against accidents, theft, and damage, at a higher premium.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) publishes a public list of all licensed insurers, brokers, and claims agents on its website — worth checking before buying a policy from a provider you're not familiar with.
Term life insurance is generally the cheapest, since it only pays out if you die within a fixed term and doesn't include a savings or investment component. Whole-life and endowment policies cost more because they combine cover with a savings element.
Insurers must give a reason for rejecting a claim, usually tied to a policy exclusion, a missed disclosure, or a lapsed premium. You can appeal directly with the insurer, and if unresolved, escalate a complaint to the Insurance Regulatory Authority.
This information is for general guidance only and isn't financial advice. Rates, minimums, and terms vary by institution and can change — always confirm current details with the institution directly before making a decision. Read our full disclaimer.