Best Insurance Company for Agents in Kenya: How to Choose

"Which insurance company pays agents the most?"

It's the first question every new agent asks.

Here's the answer nobody gives you: legally, none of them can pay you more than the others.

Kenyan law caps agent commission by product. Same cap for Jubilee, Britam, AAR, CIC, all of them.

So the "best" company isn't the one with the biggest percentage. It's the one that pays on time, has products your clients will actually buy, and pays claims so your clients stay.

Let me show you how to pick.

Table of Contents

• Why Commission Rates Don't Separate Insurers
• What Actually Makes a Company Good for Agents?
  • 1. How Fast They Pay You
  • 2. The Clawback Rules
  • 3. Products Your Market Will Buy
  • 4. Training and Support
  • 5. How They Treat Claims
• Insurers to Shortlist
• Can You Work for Multiple Companies?
• Questions to Ask Before You Sign
• Red Flags
• Next Steps

Why Commission Rates Don't Separate Insurers

The Insurance Regulations (Eleventh Schedule, regulation 22) set the maximum commission an insurer may pay an agent or broker:

An insurer can offer you less than the cap. It can't legally offer more.

So if someone promises you 20% on a health policy, walk away. That's either a mistake or a scheme.

We break down the money in detail in insurance agent commission rates in Kenya.

What Actually Makes a Company Good for Agents?

Five things differ. Commission percentage isn't one of them.

1. How Fast They Pay You

You only earn when the insurer releases your commission. Weeks of delay hurt when you're starting out.

Ask: "How many days after the client pays do I get my commission? Is that in writing?"

2. The Clawback Rules

If a client cancels early, many insurers take the commission back.

Ask: "If a client cancels in the first year, what do I repay?"

3. Products Your Market Will Buy

A great insurer with the wrong products for your clients is a bad fit.

• Selling to families? Check outpatient and maternity options.
• Selling to SMEs? Check group medical minimums.
• Selling to older clients? Check maximum entry ages.

4. Training and Support

New agents need product training, quoting tools and someone to call when a claim gets stuck.

Ask: "What training do new agents get? Who's my contact when a claim is delayed?"

5. How They Treat Claims

This is the one agents forget. When a claim goes badly, the client blames you. And they don't renew.

Ask agents who already sell for that insurer how claims and pre-authorisations go in practice.

Insurers to Shortlist

Kenya's big health and general insurers all appoint agents. Start with the ones whose products you already understand:

• Jubilee (our review)
• Britam (product guide)
• AAR (product guide)
• CIC (product guide)
• APA (product guide)
• Madison (product guide)
• Sanlam (product guide)
• Old Mutual (product guide)
• GA Insurance (product guide)

Before you sign anything, confirm the insurer is licensed on the Insurance Regulatory Authority website.

Can You Work for Multiple Companies?

Yes, if you're a broker.

• Agents are appointed by the insurer (or insurers) they sell for.
• Brokers can place business with any insurer.

Pros of being a broker:

• Flexibility
• Compare products for each client
• One client, many options

Cons:

• A broker licence has stricter requirements than an agent's
• Professional indemnity cover is required
• More admin work

The commission caps are the same for agents and brokers. Brokers don't earn a higher percentage. They just have more to sell.

Most agents start tied. Upgrade to broker later.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Take this list to every insurer you're considering:

1. What commission do you pay on each product? (Anything above the legal cap is a red flag.)
2. How many days after the client pays do I get paid?
3. What are the clawback rules?
4. What training do new agents get?
5. Who handles my clients' claims queries?
6. Can I see the agency agreement before I commit?

Get the answers in writing.

Red Flags

Walk away if:

1. Commission is above the legal cap → On health and motor, nothing above 10% is allowed

2. There's no written agency agreement → You'll fight for every payment

3. Commission is paid before the client pays → You'll owe it back if the client doesn't pay

4. The company isn't on IRA's licensed list → Your clients' claims may never be paid

Next Steps

1. Identify your target market
2. Shortlist 2-3 insurers whose products fit it
3. Ask each one the six questions above
4. Compare payment terms, clawbacks, products and support
5. Pick the best fit
6. Get your IRA licence (see how to become an insurance agent in Kenya)
7. Start selling

Don't overthink it.

The percentage is the same everywhere. Pick the company that pays on time and treats your clients well.

The worst decision? Not starting at all.