Britam pays KES 20.5 million in flood claims to over 3,000 Tana River households

Satellite river-flow data triggered the payout after severe flooding during Kenya’s long-rains season

Tana River County, Kenya, 21st October 2026 – Britam Connect, the inclusive insurance arm of Britam Holdings Plc, has paid KES 20.5 million in flood insurance claims to 3,038 households in Tana River County following losses incurred during the 2026 long-rains season. 

The floods displaced 3,127 families in parts of Tana River County, submerged homes and farms, and disrupted access to essential services. Many households depend on livestock-keeping, small-scale farming and casual work for their income, leaving them particularly vulnerable when flooding disrupts their livelihoods. 

“Floods can destroy the assets and income families depend on, with consequences that extend well beyond the rainy season. This payout gives insured households financial support to recover from those losses and prepare for future risks. Our aim is to make this protection accessible and affordable to communities facing recurring climate shocks,” said Britam Connect CEO Evah Kimani. 

The payout, covering Sala, Chewele and Madogo wards, was made under Britam Mafuriko, an insurance solution delivered through the Index-Based Flood Insurance (IBFI) project. The innovative product uses satellite imagery, data modelling and predefined river-flow thresholds to determine when a qualifying flood event triggers compensation.  

Unlike conventional insurance, this solution does not require individual loss assessments. Instead, it automatically calculates payouts using recorded river-flow data once the agreed threshold is surpassed. During the long-rains season, river flows in the insured wards of Tana River rose to nearly four times their normal levels, exceeding the policy trigger and activating compensation for affected households. 

As the policy provides compensation based on the highest qualifying flood event during the season, the final payout was determined after the March-May long-rains season ended and the final river-flow data became available. Subsequent calculations and beneficiary verification established the compensation due to insured households. 

With forecasts indicating heightened El Niño-related rainfall risks during the October- December short-rains season, the current policy runs will remain in place until February 2027, providing continued protection against qualifying flood events. Should river flows exceed the predefined thresholds, eligible households may qualify for a further payout, subject to the policy terms. 

The programme builds on a 2023 pilot by Britam which demonstrated the value of index-based insurance when 300 households received a KES 15 million payout following severe flooding in the Upper Tana region. 

The initiative is also helping shift how communities finance their own protection, with most households that previously benefited from fully subsidised insurance now contributing to their premiums. This growing participation suggests the potential for transitioning from donor-supported protection towards a model in which households increasingly contribute in managing recurring climate risks.  

Arid Lands Development Focus (ALDEF), the programme’s local delivery partner, plays a central role in community engagement,implementation and beneficiary verification, helping connect households with financial protection against recurring floods. 

The IBFI project brings together Britam, Risk Shield, ALDEF, Oxfam in Kenya and the County Government of Tana River, with support from the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF). Through its contribution to the development and implementation of the insurance solution, ISF is helping strengthen access to innovative climate risk financing for vulnerable communities.

Dr. Annette Detken, Head of InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF), said: “Timely access to financial protection can make a significant difference in how vulnerable households recover from climate-related disasters. This payout demonstrates the value of index-based insurance in providing financial support when communities need it most. At ISF, we are pleased to support partnerships that bring together local expertise and innovative insurance solutions to strengthen financial resilience and expand access to sustainable climate risk protection.”

As climate-related risks continue to threaten livelihoods, Britam Connect remains committed to expanding access to affordable, innovative insurance solutions that help vulnerable communities prepare for, withstand and recover from climate shocks.

Through partnerships that bring together insurers, development organisations and county governments, Britam aims to strengthen financial resilience and ensure more households can access protection when they need it most. 

About Britam Holdings PLC

Britam is a leading diversified financial services group listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The Group has presence in seven African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique and Malawi. Britam offers a wide range of financial solutions, including Life Assurance, Retirement Planning, Trust Services, General Insurance, Health Insurance, Asset Management, Banking and Property. These financial solutions reflect our purpose of safeguarding the dreams and aspirations of our customers.