Njuguna Ndung'u: Developments in Kenya's insurance industry sector
Remarks by Prof Njuguna Ndung'u, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, at the launch of
Continental Reinsurance brand and products, Nairobi office, Nairobi, 5 July 2012.
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The Chairman, Continental Re, Nigeria
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Many thanks indeed to Continental Reinsurance for having invited me here today at this
auspicious occasion where Continental Re is launching its brand in Kenya. It is extremely
heartening to see such a strong attendance for this breakfast meeting.
Firstly, allow me to spend a few moments to reflect upon the future of the Kenyan insurance
industry based on my experience, and to provide some thoughts and advice on where
reinsurers such as Continental Reinsurance can contribute additional value in the sector.
The Kenyan insurance market wrote KShs. 100 billion of Gross Direct Premiums in the year
2011. It has grown at an average rate of 16% p.a. over the last 5 years. The market
comprises of 45 insurance companies, transacting long-term and short-term insurance
business. In addition, there are over 140 insurance brokers operating in the Kenyan
insurance market. Competition is strong and therefore clear market positioning is essential.
I am standing here today wearing two hats: one, as Regulator of the banking sector and
secondly, as a Board Member of the IRA. I have seen that there is a strong requirement for
products that are driven by a real need from customers - products that appeal to a specific
demand. I am happy to note therefore that the industry is addressing the matter of innovation
and are designing new products particularly targeting the lower market. This is the way in
which the insurance industry will be able to enhance the level of financial inclusion among
the population.
By way of example, let us look at the agricultural sector - which, comprises a vital 80% of our
economy with a 26% contribution to GDP. Insurance and reinsurance should play a bigger
role in the development of the agricultural sector in Kenya. I am sure that, Weather-index
micro insurance schemes are making a measurable impact where payouts enable farmers to
recover from what would otherwise be financial disaster. For instance in August last year,
3,380 farmers received compensation for the loss of their crops, totalling approximately
KShs. 150 million. The transfer of weather risk away from these farmers to the international
insurance markets strengthens the resilience of farmers and agricultural businesses to
weather impacts. It provides additional - and important - security which also supports our
Kenyan economy.
A great benefit for the development of micro insurance is the deepening of penetration per
capita. Currently most micro insurance schemes are run as small pilot type arrangements
and continue to face a number of regulatory and operational challenges.
I am informed that a policy framework paper has now been developed by the micro
insurance working group set up by the Insurance Regulatory Authority and the same has
been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for further attention. In this regard, the Minister
during his budget speech recognized micro insurance as a standalone class of insurance,
giving it the prominence that is deserves.
Ladies and gentlemen, insurance penetration in Kenya is 3% - high by African standards,
but with a long way to go still. I appeal to leaders and operators in the sector to harness the
growth opportunities and to think forward, to think innovatively. For example, the recent
discovery of oil and gas in Kenya has marked a significant opportunity for this sector. We
have had the chance to see how other African countries have tackled the discovery of
important natural resources, and the onus is now firmly on us to learn from their successes,
and from their mistakes. We know, for example, that there is long way to go to prepare our
country for the technical intelligence required to provide security around the multitude of
issues that accompany a discovery of this kind. I request the insurance and reinsurance
market to test out the structures in place for oil and gas insurance. We need to be prepared
as an industry and as a country in order that we safeguard against future potential issues
resulting from the mining of our natural resources.
In this regard Mr. Chairman, I wish to applaud Continental Reinsurance's steps in
progressing product innovation and development including Oil and Gas, and look forward to
learning from your experience.
Lastly, ladies and gentlemen, I urge the insurance industry to position itself for the economic
integration in the East African Union. As you are already aware, the common market protocol
of the East African Community (EAC) creates a big market full of opportunities. This is the
way to go in terms of integration and expansion within the EAC and beyond. Indeed today's
occasion is a realization of that spirit as we congratulate Continental Re (a Nigerian
company) on their authorization to transact fully reinsurance business in Kenya. This trend is
the beginning of what I predict will be the future of the insurance and reinsurance market in
Africa-spreading across countries with free movement and with the opportunity to exploit full
cross-border growth. I therefore challenge the industry to prepare for this eventuality in a
timely manner.
Once more ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Continental Reinsurance
company on this auspicious occasion and to wish them all success.
Thank you.