Agent License Renewal Kenya: Deadlines, Fees, Steps

An agent in our network lost three months of commissions.

Not because of poor sales.

Because his IRA license expired.

He forgot to renew. Kept selling. Then the insurance company discovered he was operating without a valid license.

They clawed back all commissions from that period.

Don't be that guy.

Here's everything you need to know about renewing your insurance agent license in Kenya.

Table of Contents

• When to Renew
• Renewal Fees
• Step-by-Step Renewal Process
  • Step 1: Log Into the IRA Portal
  • Step 2: Update Your Information
  • Step 3: Submit Renewal Application
  • Step 4: Pay the Fees
  • Step 5: Wait for Approval
• CPD Requirements
• What If Your License Expires?
• Can You Sell While Renewal Is Processing?
• Common Renewal Problems
• Set Up Reminders
• Costs of Forgetting
• Checklist for Smooth Renewal
• The Bottom Line
• Next Steps

When to Renew

All IRA licenses expire on December 31st each year.

Doesn't matter when you got licensed.

Got your license in October? Still expires December 31st.

Renewal window: October 1 – December 31

Late renewal: January 1 – March 31 (with penalties)

After March 31: You need to reapply as a new agent

Renewal Fees

Here's what you'll pay:

Late penalties:

After March? Full re-application. Plus potential exam retake.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Log Into the IRA Portal

Go to ira.go.ke

Use your existing credentials.

Forgot your password? Click "Reset Password" and use your registered email.

Step 2: Update Your Information

Before renewing, check that:

• Phone number is current
• Email is current
• Physical address is correct
• Your photo isn't from 2015

Out-of-date information = delayed renewal.

Step 3: Submit Renewal Application

Navigate to: Services → License Renewal → Insurance Agent

You'll need:

• Current license number
• Updated passport photo (if changed)
• Proof of CPD completion (more on this below)

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Payment options:

• M-Pesa (Paybill: IRA's official number)
• Bank transfer
• Debit card

Save your receipt. You'll need it if there's a dispute.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 7-14 days.

You'll get:

• SMS confirmation
• Email with renewed license details
• Updated license certificate (downloadable as PDF)

CPD Requirements

This catches people off guard.

To renew, you need Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

Required: 20 CPD points per year

How to get them:

Most insurance companies organize CPD events for their agents.

Pro tip: Attend at least 4-5 events throughout the year. Don't scramble in December.

What If Your License Expires?

Here's what happens:

Days 1-90 (Grace Period):

• You can still renew (with penalties)
• Technically cannot sell insurance
• Smart insurers won't process your commissions

Days 91-180:

• Must reapply as new agent
• May need to retake exams
• Previous production history doesn't count

Days 180+:

• Treated as brand new applicant
• Full exam required
• Back to square one

The message: Don't let it expire.

Can You Sell While Renewal Is Processing?

Yes and no.

If you submitted before December 31: You can continue working while it processes. Keep your submission receipt as proof.

If you submitted after December 31: Technically, you shouldn't sell until approved. But most insurers will honor business written during processing if you applied within the grace period.

Document everything. Save all receipts and confirmation emails.

Common Renewal Problems

1. "System shows insufficient CPD points"

Solution: Submit your CPD certificates manually through the portal. Sometimes they don't sync automatically.

2. "Payment not reflecting"

Solution: Allow 24-48 hours. If still not reflecting, email IRA with your payment receipt.

3. "Account locked"

Solution: Call IRA directly. Usually happens after multiple failed login attempts.

4. "Photo rejected"

Requirements:

• Passport-style
• White background
• Recent (within last year)
• No filters or editing

Set Up Reminders

Here's my system:

October 1: Get CPD certificate ready October 15: Start renewal process October 31: Complete payment November: Follow up if no confirmation

Don't wait until December.

The portal crashes every December 28-31.

Everyone procrastinates. Don't be everyone.

Costs of Forgetting

Let's do the math on why this matters:

Scenario: You earn KES 50,000/month in commissions

License expires January 15. You renew March 20:

• Lost commissions: KES 100,000 (2 months)
• Late penalty: KES 8,250 extra
• Stress and scrambling: Priceless

Total cost of forgetting: KES 108,250+

All because you didn't pay KES 11,000 in October.

Checklist for Smooth Renewal

Use this every year:

By September 30:

• [ ] Confirm you have 20 CPD points
• [ ] Gather CPD certificates

By October 15:

• [ ] Log into IRA portal
• [ ] Update personal information
• [ ] Upload new photo if needed

By October 31:

• [ ] Submit renewal application
• [ ] Pay fees (KES 11,000)
• [ ] Save payment receipt

By November 30:

• [ ] Confirm renewal approved
• [ ] Download new certificate
• [ ] Update your insurers

The Bottom Line

License renewal is:

• KES 11,000/year
• 20 CPD points
• 30 minutes of paperwork

That's it.

Do it early. Do it once. Get back to selling.

Next Steps

1. Check your CPD points today
2. Set a calendar reminder for October 1
3. Bookmark the IRA portal: ira.go.ke

Already renewed? Get back to growing your business. Compare quotes across insurers and close more deals.