Britam Jobs in Kenya

Britam Holdings PLC is a major diversified financial services provider in Kenya and East Africa, offering a broad spectrum of insurance, investment, and property solutions. Established with roots in Kenya since 1965, the company has grown into a regional powerhouse operating in seven African countries. This detailed profile examines Britam Kenya's history, mission, services, leadership, and contributions to the region's economy, providing an informative overview of its operations and impact.

History and Background

Britam Holdings PLC traces its origins to 1965, when operations began in Nairobi as a foreign branch of the British-American Insurance Company Limited, headquartered in the Bahamas. The Kenyan entity, initially known as British-American Investments Company (Kenya) Limited, was founded in 1920 but formally established its local presence in 1965. Over the decades, the company expanded through strategic acquisitions and restructurings, including the creation of a non-operating holding company in 2004 and the acquisition of a stake in Equity Group Holdings Limited that same year.

Key milestones include the 2007 equity acquisition in Housing Finance Company of Kenya, the largest mortgage provider in East Africa at the time, and the 2014 purchase of Real Insurance Company Limited for KSh 1.4 billion, which extended operations to Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. In 2013, Britam entered Rwanda with the incorporation of Britam Insurance Company (Rwanda) Limited. The company rebranded to Britam Holdings Limited in 2015 and is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange under the ticker BRIT.

Headquartered in the iconic Britam Tower in Nairobi's Upper Hill area—a 200-meter, 31-story structure that is Kenya's tallest building and Africa's third-tallest—Britam employs approximately 940 people in Kenya and maintains a global workforce supporting its regional activities. As of 2025, the company's stock price stands at KES 8.88, reflecting steady performance in a dynamic market.

Mission and Core Values

Mission

Britam Kenya's mission is to deliver comprehensive financial solutions that protect and grow wealth for individuals, families, and businesses across Africa. The company emphasizes customer-centric innovation to foster financial inclusion and sustainable economic development in its operating markets.

Core Values

Britam's operations are guided by principles that promote ethical and efficient service delivery:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing accessible, tailored financial products to meet diverse needs.

• Innovation: Leveraging digital tools and strategic partnerships to enhance service efficiency.

• Integrity and Transparency: Upholding high governance standards to build stakeholder trust.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility, such as through solar installations and global reporting frameworks on climate risks.

• Excellence: Driving operational efficiency and market leadership through continuous improvement.

These values align with Britam's five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), known as EPIC2, which focuses on execution, performance, innovation, customer-centricity, and culture.

Services and Offerings

Britam Kenya operates through five main segments: life insurance, non-life insurance, asset management, property, and corporate/other. Its products cater to personal, commercial, and corporate clients, with a strong emphasis on digital accessibility.

Life Assurance

Britam provides life insurance products for family protection and long-term savings, including term life, whole life, and endowment policies. In 2024, Britam Life Assurance maintained a 25% market share in Kenya, earning the Life Company of the Year award for the 18th consecutive year. These offerings help secure futures against risks like death or disability.

General and Health Insurance

The non-life segment covers property, motor, liability, and health insurance. Specialized products include parametric insurance for Kenyan coffee growers in partnership with Liberty Mutual Re and aviation insurance solutions. Health plans provide medical security for individuals and groups, while general insurance safeguards assets against theft, fire, or accidents. Regional general insurance contributed 27% (KSh 10.3 billion) to 2024 revenue.

Retirement Planning

Britam offers pension schemes, including the newly launched Britam Ngao Umbrella Pension Scheme in 2024, designed for retirement savings with flexible contributions and tax benefits. These products support secure golden years for employees and self-employed individuals.

Asset Management

Through Britam Asset Managers Kenya Limited, the company provides investment solutions such as unit trusts, discretionary portfolio management, and wealth management for institutional and private clients. Funds like the Britam Equity Fund target long-term capital growth by investing in listed companies across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Net investment income surged 163% to KSh 30.6 billion in 2024.

Property and Banking Investments

Britam's property division manages real estate investments, including leasing, development, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The company holds strategic stakes in banking: 10.64% in Equity Group Holdings Limited and 48.82% in Housing Finance Company of Kenya, enhancing its role in mortgage and financial services.

Services are accessible via digital platforms, branches, and agents, with gross written premiums reaching KSh 50.7 billion in 2024, up 12% from the previous year.

Impact on Kenya’s Economy and Communities

Economic Contributions

Britam Kenya plays a pivotal role in financial inclusion, with total assets growing 20% to KSh 208.5 billion in 2024. The company reported a 52% increase in profit before tax to KSh 7.3 billion for the year, driven by insurance revenue of KSh 37.6 billion (3% growth) and strong regional performance. As Kenya's leading life insurer and second in general insurance, Britam supports economic stability by protecting assets and enabling investments for over a million customers.

Its regional operations in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi contribute to East Africa's integration, with international revenue forming a key growth pillar. Britam channeled KSh 2.4 billion to local and minority-owned suppliers in 2024, boosting SMEs.

Community and Sustainability Initiatives

Britam advances social impact through the Britam Foundation, focusing on education, health, and empowerment. In 2024, it published its first Sustainability Report, adopting frameworks for climate and nature-related disclosures, and installed solar carports to cut carbon emissions. The company committed to gender equality via UN Women Empowerment Principles and supported parametric insurance for small-scale tea and coffee farmers. Recognized as Kenya's first certified Top Employer for 2024 and 2025, Britam promotes inclusive workplaces.

Leadership and Governance

Leadership Team

Britam Kenya's leadership blends global expertise with local insight, overseeing strategy and operations. Key figures include:

• Tom Gitogo (Group Managing Director & CEO): Appointed in September 2022, Tom holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Moi University and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi. Previously CEO of Sanlam Insurance Kenya, he drives Britam's EPIC2 strategy.

• Kuria Muchiru (Chairman): A Certified Public Secretary with public and private sector experience, including as former Chairman of Equity Bank and National Oil Corporation of Kenya. He received the Yara Prize for a Green Revolution in Africa in 2009.

• Catherine Karita (Strategy & Investor Relations Director): Joined in December 2021, with expertise in strategic planning and investor engagement.

• Hilda Muita (Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer): Over 15 years in financial services, holding an MSc in International Business Administration from the University of London, LL.M, LL.B from the University of Nairobi, CPA(K), and CS(K).

The 11-member Board of Directors includes Celestine Mamboleo (audit expertise, former EY Kenya Managing Partner) and Julius Kiprono (digital strategies certification from Columbia University).

Governance

Britam adheres to high corporate governance standards, with transparent reporting and ethical practices. Major shareholders include AfricInvest (17.55%), Equity Holdings Limited (16.05%), and Swiss Re, alongside the International Finance Corporation, underscoring global confidence.

Organizational Culture and Workforce

Workplace Culture

Britam fosters a collaborative, innovative environment under its "Eleway"-inspired culture, emphasizing inclusivity and professional growth. As a Top Employer, it invests in employee development through training and work-life balance initiatives.

Employee Development

With around 940 employees in Kenya, Britam supports career advancement via leadership programs and partnerships like Unicaf for higher education. The focus on diversity and sustainability creates a resilient, forward-thinking workforce.

Contact Information and Presence

How to Reach Britam Kenya

Britam maintains a nationwide network of branches and digital channels for accessibility.

• Website: www.britam.com/ke

• Email: General inquiries via the website contact form

• Phone: +254 20 327 7000 (Nairobi headquarters)

• Physical Address: Britam Tower, Hospital Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30375-00100, Nairobi

• Social Media: Active on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for updates.

Nationwide and Regional Reach

From its Nairobi base, Britam serves urban and rural Kenya through agents and online platforms, with subsidiaries ensuring seamless cross-border services in six other countries.

Conclusion

Britam Kenya remains a cornerstone of East Africa's financial sector, delivering diversified services that promote stability and growth. Celebrating 60 years in 2025, the company continues to lead in life insurance with a 25% market share, expand regionally, and prioritize sustainability amid economic challenges. Through robust governance, innovative products, and community commitments, Britam supports Kenya's development as a trusted financial partner.