Kenya’s insurance sector received a fresh spark this week as NCBA Group joined forces with Sanlam Life Insurance, introducing a suite of life insurance products designed to support Kenyan families during life’s most pivotal moments.

In a bid to reshape insurance accessibility, this strategic alliance unveils two innovative offerings: Digital Last Expense, which will provide funeral cover, and Go Educator, an education-focused insurance product aimed at making long-term academic goals attainable for all families.

To further deepen their commitment, a savings product is set to follow soon.

Aiming to combat long-standing barriers like affordability and lack of public awareness, the NCBA and Sanlam partnership is intent on making life insurance an essential part of financial planning for the average Kenyan.

NCBA Group’s Managing Director, John Gachora, hailed the collaboration as a significant leap in serving the evolving needs of their customers.

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“This collaboration with Sanlam Life Insurance represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions to our customers," Gachora said.

"By offering these innovative life insurance products, we aim to enhance the financial well-being of our clients and ensure they have the necessary support during critical moments in their lives."

Gachora emphatically added, "We believe this partnership will significantly boost the uptake of life insurance in Kenya, addressing key barriers and misconceptions that have hindered its growth.”

Rather than relying on conventional sales tactics, NCBA plans to deliver these products through its established Bancassurance Intermediary.

With its extensive branch network and customer touchpoints, the bank’s infrastructure will bring these life insurance products directly to the fingertips of Kenyan citizens, integrating insurance into everyday financial planning.

From Sanlam’s perspective, the partnership is about offering comprehensive solutions under one roof, enhancing accessibility and simplifying life insurance uptake for customers seeking a one-stop shop for all their financial needs.

 Dr. Nyamemba Tumbo, the Group CEO of Sanlam Kenya, pointed out the convenience this partnership offers.

"For customers who prefer to receive services from a one-stop-shop like a bank, this partnership comes in handy for them as they will now be able to access a full suite of financial services to meet their long-term investment needs," Tumbo remarked.

"We shall, therefore, leverage our distribution and processing capabilities, stronger brand visibility and a greater degree of public trust to deliver a superior customer and product experience."

NCBA’s Bancassurance Managing Director and Principal, Samuel Odhiambo, echoed the sentiment, calling life insurance an act of empowerment, not merely a product.

“At NCBA, life insurance is more than just products—it’s empowerment. We’re offering protection that brings peace of mind to families facing life’s uncertainties,"

He elaborated that the Digital Last Expense product “ensures that families can say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity.”

Additionally, Odhiambo described the Go Educator as a commitment to every child’s future, emphasising that “Education is an investment in our future—this product ensures every child has the support they need.”

Beyond the product launches, NCBA Group Director of Asset Finance and Business Solutions, Lennox Mugambi, underscored the broader impact the collaboration seeks to achieve, particularly in bridging Kenya’s insurance gap.

“This partnership is more than a launch; it’s a commitment. We’re addressing the gap in life insurance uptake, making it accessible for Kenyans at every income level. We believe financial security should be within everyone’s reach,"

Mugambi noted. "Through these products, we’re empowering Kenyans to plan for tomorrow with confidence and assurance,” he stated, adding that no family should face financial strain during critical times.

With this partnership, NCBA and Sanlam are redefining life insurance, turning it from a seldom-accessed service into a reliable pillar of support, designed for and accessible to Kenyan families.

Together, they’re bridging the insurance divide with simplicity, affordability, and a vision for a more financially secure future for all.