Insurance Regulatory Authority (Kenya)

The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya (IRA) is the sole authority charged with regulation and supervision of the insurance industry within the Republic of Kenya. It ensures compliance by insurance/reinsurance companies, protects consumers and promotes a high degree of policy security for policyholders.

Background
The regulation of the insurance industry in Kenya was initially based on the UK Companies Act 1960. The Government of Kenya enacted the Insurance Act Kenya CAP 487 in 1985 with the aim of localizing regulation of the insurance business. The newly-enacted legislation established the Department of Insurance within the Ministry of the National Treasury and Planning, headed by a Commissioner of Insurance, to supervise the insurance sector.

Creation of IRA
The Insurance Act was amended in 2006 in an attempt to promote further efficient regulation of the insurance sector. The Department of Insurance was separated from its parent ministry and established as a body corporate known as the Insurance Regulatory Authority.

With this amendment, not only did the department gain greater independence from bureaucratic hindrances, which improved its efficiency as intended, but the holder of the Commissioner's office gained additional responsibility in the secondary role of serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the newly-established Authority.

Functions
IRA is responsible for the maintenance of the stability of the insurance sector. Its main objectives and functions are found in the Insurance Act.