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Kenya
How to complain in Kenya

How to complain about an insurer in Kenya

Short answerChecked 28 October 2026
Complain to the insurer in writing first. If it does not settle, complain to the Insurance Regulatory Authority, whose mandate is to protect policyholders: use the online form, email complaints@ira.go.ke, or call the toll-free line 0800 724 499. IRA registered 524 complaints in the last quarter of 2025.
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Answers come from the law, the regulator and the insurers' own documents, with the source under each answer. General information, not advice.

On this page · 5 sections
  1. Step by step
  2. What people complain about
  3. How long the insurer has to pay
  4. FAQ
  5. Sources

Step by step

  1. Write to the insurer: policy number, claim number, what happened, what you ask for, and copies of documents. Keep proof of sending.
  2. Ask for a written answer with the reasons if a claim is declined.
  3. If you are not satisfied, lodge a complaint with IRA — online, by email to complaints@ira.go.ke, with the complaints form, by post, by phone on 0800 724 499, or in person at Zep-Re Place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
  4. Keep a copy of everything you send and receive.

What people complain about

Of the 524 complaints IRA registered in the fourth quarter of 2025, 82.8% concerned general insurers — motor, medical and property — and 17.2% life insurers (IRA).

IRA publishes the number of complaints it receives about each insurer: see insurance complaints by company. Each insurer profile — for example GA Insurance, MUA, Geminia, Pacis or Pioneer — shows that insurer's own contacts, so you can write to the right office first.

For a personal-data problem (a company that shared your details without consent, for example), complain to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

How long the insurer has to pay

Section 203 of the Insurance Act requires the insurer, once you have given all relevant documents, to settle within 90 days of the claim being reported (or of a court decision on liability). The Commissioner can extend this by up to 30 days; after that a 5% penalty on the unpaid amount is due, and you are entitled to a copy of any assessment report.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I contact IRA Kenya?

Toll-free 0800 724 499, email complaints@ira.go.ke, the online complaint form on ira.go.ke, or in person at Zep-Re Place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

What is the IRA customer care number?

IRA's toll-free line is 0800 724 499. You can also email complaints@ira.go.ke, use the online complaint form on ira.go.ke, or visit Zep-Re Place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Write to your insurer first, then go to IRA if it does not settle.

How long does an insurer have to pay my claim in Kenya?

90 days from the claim being reported once you have given all the documents (Insurance Act s.203); the Commissioner can extend this by 30 days, after which a 5% penalty on the unpaid amount is due.

How do I report an insurance company in Kenya?

Complain to the insurer first, then to IRA through its online form, complaints@ira.go.ke, or the toll-free line 0800 724 499.

What if my insurer goes bankrupt?

Kenya has a Policyholders Compensation Fund (pcf.go.ke) to protect policyholders of a failed insurer.

Sources

  1. IRA Kenya — lodge a complaint
  2. IRA Kenya — Quarter 4 2025 insurance industry release
  3. Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Kenya — official website
  4. Policyholders Compensation Fund
  5. Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
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Regulator in Kenya: IRA Kenya

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