Britam General Insurance has unveiled a new Loss of Licence Insurance Cover for professional and trainee pilots in Kenya, offering critical financial protection for aviation professionals whose ability to work depends on maintaining medical fitness.
The product — the first of its kind in Kenya’s insurance market — is designed to support pilots who temporarily or permanently lose their licences due to illness or accident, ensuring that an unexpected medical setback does not result in financial ruin or the loss of livelihood.
Kenya’s aviation industry has seen steady expansion in recent years, driven by growing demand for regional connectivity and a rising number of licensed commercial pilots. However, this growth has also underscored a longstanding gap in the financial safety net available to pilots, whose careers hinge entirely on the ability to meet stringent health and regulatory standards.
“A pilot’s career is a significant investment, and the loss of their licence, even temporarily, can have serious financial consequences,” said James Mbithi, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer of Britam General Insurance.
“Our new Pilot Loss of Licence Cover is designed to provide peace of mind. It acts as a financial safety net, ensuring that an unforeseen illness or injury does not mean the end of a livelihood.”
Addressing a Critical Gap in the Aviation Sector
Pilots in Kenya, like their counterparts globally, undergo rigorous and recurring medical evaluations to maintain their licences. Conditions such as heart disease, vision impairment, or injuries sustained either on or off duty can lead to temporary or permanent grounding. Until now, few local insurance options existed to cover the resulting loss of income.
Britam’s new solution aims to close that gap by offering two tiers of protection:
- Temporary Loss of Licence Cover — provides financial support during the period when a pilot’s licence is suspended due to illness or accident. This applies to incidents both on and off duty and remains valid up to retirement age.
- Permanent Loss of Licence Cover — offers long-term financial protection in cases where medical conditions permanently prevent a pilot from resuming flying duties.
The policy functions as a top-up insurance, complementing any coverage already provided by employers or other insurers. Importantly, there are no limitations on benefits received from other sources for cases involving permanent loss of licence, giving pilots flexibility and comprehensive protection.
Eligibility and Coverage Details
The Loss of Licence Cover is open to all pilots registered in Kenya who are under the age of 65, including those in training. Coverage extends to a wide range of scenarios such as:
- Sports injuries and off-duty accidents,
- Illnesses developing during a pilot’s career, and
- Medical conditions that may temporarily affect flight fitness.
Pilots with pre-existing conditions can still apply, provided they make full disclosure and submit medical documentation for underwriting review.
However, as with most specialised insurance policies, certain exclusions apply. The cover does not apply to licence suspensions resulting from:
- Criminal acts or deliberate exposure to danger (except when saving a life),
- Active military service or participation in war or terrorism,
- Negligence, incompetence, or disciplinary actions related to job performance, and
- Undeclared pre-existing conditions.
The policy is also limited to pilots currently employed by Kenya-based scheduled air carriers. Non-Kenyan citizens are eligible only for as long as they remain employed within Kenya; coverage ceases upon relocation to an overseas airline.
Supporting a Growing Aviation Workforce
Kenya’s aviation sector has been undergoing notable transformation, with increasing investment in aviation training, fleet expansion, and regional airline connectivity. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) estimates that the country now has over 3,000 licensed pilots, including hundreds of trainees across flight schools in Nairobi, Wilson Airport, and Eldoret.
Despite this growth, the risks associated with pilot licensing remain a source of concern. Any lapse in medical certification immediately halts a pilot’s income, leaving families financially exposed during recovery periods.
According to Mbithi, Britam’s new product was developed following consultations with aviation stakeholders, including professional associations and airline management teams, to tailor coverage to the specific needs of pilots.
“We engaged closely with pilots and aviation employers to understand their unique risk exposures,” he said. “The cover is part of our broader effort to develop specialised solutions for high-skill professions that face niche but severe financial risks.”
Aligning with Britam’s Innovation Strategy
The launch of the Pilot Loss of Licence Cover is part of Britam’s wider innovation strategy to diversify its product portfolio and respond to emerging market needs across professional sectors.
In recent years, the insurer has introduced specialised covers for industries such as health, technology, and logistics — a reflection of its goal to become a leader in tailored risk management solutions in East Africa.
“This product speaks directly to our mission of financial resilience,” Mbithi added. “We want professionals, whether in aviation or other specialised fields, to focus on their work knowing that their income is protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.”
The initiative also aligns with the government’s ambition to make Kenya a regional aviation hub, with major infrastructure upgrades underway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, and new airstrips under the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). By offering innovative financial products that support aviation professionals, Britam aims to reinforce the sector’s sustainability and talent retention.
Industry Perspective and Future Outlook
Industry experts have welcomed the launch, noting that loss of licence insurance has long been a standard component of pilot protection in mature aviation markets such as the UK, UAE, and South Africa. Its introduction in Kenya signals a maturing local insurance market capable of meeting global professional standards.
A senior aviation analyst commented that the policy could “help retain talent and attract more young Kenyans into aviation,” especially as airlines expand regional and cargo operations.
“Pilots invest heavily in training and certifications,” the analyst noted. “Having an insurance product that recognises the unique vulnerability of their profession is a positive development for the entire aviation ecosystem.”
Britam has indicated that the pilot phase of the product rollout will target commercial and charter airline pilots, with plans to expand to flight instructors, air ambulance crews, and other certified aviation personnel over time.
As the policy takes off, it underscores the growing sophistication of Kenya’s insurance market — where local underwriters are increasingly developing niche products tailored to professional risk profiles, bridging the gap between traditional coverage and modern economic realities.
