The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) proudly hosted the 22nd edition of the AKI Awards on Friday, 8th March 2024. The Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in the insurance industry, recognised performance during the competition period 1 January to 31 December 2023.

APA Insurance was recognised as the General Insurance Company of the Year, while Britam was recognised as the Life Insurance Company of the Year. The Group Life Insurance Company of the Year Award went to Absa Life Assurance Company.

Joseph Kariuki from APA Insurance was recognised as the General Insurance Agent of the Year while Justina Mbona also from APA Insurance was recognised as the Medical Insurance Agent of the Year. The medical insurance agent is a newly introduced category that is awarded to the agent that sold the highest number of medical insurance policies during the competition period.

Jayshree Haria from Jubilee was named the Life Insurance Agent of the Year in the Persistency category for the third year running. This award is given to agents who have consistently maintained their clients for at least three years.

Ruth Mumbe Nyingi from Britam was recognised as the Life Insurance Agent of the year in the New Business Category for the second year running. She was also admitted to the league of Life Member for having been among the top 10 agents five years in a row.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme of inspire inclusion, I would like to recognize the pivotal role played by women in driving insurance sales, with women representing slightly over 50% of the insurance agency profession,” AKI Executive Director, Mr. Tom Gichuhi noted during the awards.

This year, a record-breaking 1,056 agents met the qualifying competition criteria demonstrating a remarkable increase from 783 in the previous year. Among them, 727 agents represented life insurance while 329 agents represented general insurance.

AKI Chairman, Mr. Nixon Shigoli noted that research shows that most consumers learn about insurance first from insurance agents. Further, statistics show that agents contribute to about 60% of insurance business. “Insurance sales agents therefore have a big responsibility in providing clear and correct information about insurance products, coverage, pricing, and terms. This ensures that the customer knows what they are signing up for”, he noted.

 The 22nd AKI Awards concluded with a renewed commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in the insurance industry, setting a high standard for future endeavours.