Comparison · Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
How fast must insurers pay? Claim deadlines in East Africa
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Once you have handed in every document, insurers must pay within 90 days in Kenya (then a 5% penalty), 10 to 20 working days in Uganda after you sign the discharge, and 45 days in Tanzania after the discharge. In Ethiopia the rule is on complaints: the insurer must answer within 10 business days.
Side by side
| Deadline | Extension / sanction | Rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 90 days from the claim being reported, once documents are complete | Commissioner may extend 30 days; then 5% penalty on the unpaid amount | Insurance Act s.203 |
| Uganda | 10 working days (≤ UGX 10m), 15 (≤ 50m), 20 (above) after the signed discharge | Third-party claims: 60 days from notification | IRA claims guide 2025; SI 214-1 reg. 3 |
| Tanzania | 45 days from the signed discharge | One extension of up to 45 days; beyond that a bad-faith claim | Insurance Act s.131 |
| Ethiopia | Complaint answered within 10 business days | Then escalate to the National Bank of Ethiopia | NBE Directive FCP/01/2020 |
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Frequently asked questions
How long does an insurer have to pay a claim in Kenya?
90 days from the claim being reported once all documents are provided, extendable by 30 days; after that a 5% penalty applies (Insurance Act s.203).
How long does an insurer have to pay a claim in Tanzania?
45 days from receiving the signed discharge, extendable once by up to 45 days (Insurance Act s.131).