Sanlam Kenya Plc, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange as SLAM, formally rebranded to Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya PLC in October 2025.
The transition followed the joint venture between Sanlam and Allianz, creating SanlamAllianz, now Africa’s largest non-banking financial services provider.
Backed by more than two centuries of combined experience, the rebrand signaled a new identity and a bold repositioning of financial services in Kenya.
“The rebrand signified a new phase, a new identity and an opportunity to reposition financial services in Kenya,” said Jacqueline Karasha, CEO and Principal Officer of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Kenya.
Global Expertise, Local Solutions
SanlamAllianz combines Allianz’s global expertise with Sanlam’s deep local knowledge. The company’s subsidiaries—Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Kenya and Sanlam Allianz General Insurance Kenya—aim to deliver innovative, technology-driven solutions tailored to both ordinary Kenyans and sophisticated clients.
Karasha emphasized that financial services are built on trust, and trust grows through legacy.
“We sell a promise, we sell hope. That’s why stability and transparency matter,” she explained.
Enhancing Client Experience Through Innovation
As part of the rebrand, SanlamAllianz Kenya is enhancing client experience and distribution capabilities through technology-based solutions. The company is investing in digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and flexible product design to meet evolving customer needs.
George Kuria Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer of Sanlam Allianz General Insurance Kenya, noted that innovation must be paired with education.
“People spend millions on cars or property, then opt for the cheapest third-party cover. Yet for a fraction of that cost, they could secure comprehensive protection,” he said.
Tackling Low Insurance Penetration
Kenya’s insurance penetration remains low compared to South Africa, but Kuria challenged the often cited 2.4% figure. He pointed to widespread NHIF coverage, pensions, and informal risk-sharing practices like WhatsApp fundraising groups.
“Funeral insurance is the biggest driver globally. In Kenya, we raise billions through WhatsApp groups instead. Imagine channeling that into affordable insurance products,” he argued.
SanlamAllianz plans to co-create flexible, short-term policies with customers, especially targeting SMEs and young people.
Restoring Confidence Through Transparency
Karasha stressed that rebuilding trust requires both industry-wide reforms and company-level commitments. The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has introduced stricter consumer protection rules, while SanlamAllianz enforces rigorous capital adequacy standards.
“Our shareholders require us to maintain over 200% capital adequacy. That means even if every client claimed at once, we could pay and still remain in business,” she said.
This financial stability, coupled with proactive disclosure of audited results, is designed to reassure customers that insurers can deliver when it matters most.
The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions
Both executives underscored the importance of media partnerships in shifting narratives. Positive customer stories often go unheard, overshadowed by skepticism or isolated negative experiences.
“The challenge is amplifying the good. Customers tell us, ‘You came through when we needed you most.’ But those stories rarely make headlines,” Karasha observed.
SanlamAllianz hopes to collaborate with journalists to highlight success stories and drive conversations around financial inclusion.
Looking Ahead
SanlamAllianz Kenya is positioning itself as a technology-driven, customer-first insurer. With its rebrand, strengthened subsidiaries, and commitment to transparency, the company aims to transform perceptions of insurance in Kenya.
“Above everything, we guard trust. Because at the end of the day, insurance is about one thing the promise to stand with you when life takes an unexpected turn,” Karasha concluded.
