Sanlam and Jubilee Allianz merge to form one of Kenya’s top insurers, boosting digital insurance, service delivery, and regional expansion.
In a strategic move that will redefine East Africa’s insurance landscape, Sanlam General Insurance has received regulatory approval to merge with Jubilee Allianz General Insurance, creating one of Kenya’s most powerful general insurance entities.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) of Kenya granted the green light in May 2025, reinforcing industry consolidation amid growing competition and digitization.
“This merger aligns with our vision of building a digitally advanced, customer-centric, and regionally strong insurance brand,” said a Sanlam Kenya executive.
The combined insurer will offer motor, health, travel, commercial, property, and marine insurance to individuals, SMEs, and corporates across Kenya and the East African region.
- Sanlam, part of South Africa’s Sanlam Group, brings robust experience in retail insurance.
- Jubilee Allianz, formerly part of Jubilee Holdings, offers deep expertise in risk management and customer engagement.
📌 Internal link: Read about Jubilee Holdings’ growth strategy
The merger aims to:
- Accelerate mobile-first insurance innovation
- Deliver cross-border solutions for regional businesses
- Launch sustainable products, such as green vehicle insurance and climate risk coverage
The deal follows Jubilee Holdings’ earlier divestment of its life insurance unit to Allianz SE, one of the largest insurers globally.
📌 Related: How Allianz entered Kenya’s insurance market
Policyholders of both companies can expect:
- Seamless brand integration and back-end system alignment
- Expanded access through mobile apps, brokers, and agent networks
- Enhanced digital tools like AI-driven claims processing
- Wider product choices tailored for regional needs
“Existing policies remain valid. Customers will be informed in advance of any future changes,” the firms confirmed.
📌 Internal link: Explore Sanlam Kenya’s digital platforms
The merger comes amid a digital revolution across Kenya’s financial services sector. According to the IRA 2024 Annual Report, insurance penetration remains below 3%—far behind countries like South Africa.
But innovations like AI claims systems and mobile onboarding are narrowing the gap fast.
📌 Internal link: Explore the latest IRA market report
With regulatory approval granted, the merged entity will implement a three-phase rollout:
- Q2–Q3 2025: Consolidation of back-office systems and underwriting standards
- Q4 2025: Rebranding and launching unified mobile platforms
- 2026: Regional expansion into Uganda and Tanzania, and new product rollouts
📌 Internal link: Jubilee Holdings sheds life business for growth
