Listed non-banking financial services company Sanlam Kenya Plc has officially adopted a new identity, unveiling its rebrand to Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, now trading as SanlamAllianz Kenya. The move follows the recently concluded joint venture between global insurers Sanlam and Allianz, creating what is now the largest non-banking financial services group in Africa.
The formation of SanlamAllianz combines over two centuries of accumulated experience across the continent and international markets, positioning the new entity to compete more aggressively in both life and general insurance segments.
Group CEO Dr Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo said the rebrand signals a strategic shift in how the company intends to serve the Kenyan market. He noted that the transition marks a renewed commitment to customer-focused service delivery, strengthened technological capabilities, and enhanced distribution models designed to match evolving market needs.
Dr Tumbo confirmed that the group’s subsidiaries, SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Kenya and SanlamAllianz General Insurance Kenya, will continue to be headed by Ms Jacqueline Karasha and Mr George Kuria respectively. Shareholder and regulatory approvals were secured ahead of the official name change.
He said the company aims to leverage the broader SanlamAllianz resources, expertise and financial capacity to deliver product innovations and improved service standards. The newly merged continental entity now operates in 26 countries and controls a combined total group equity value exceeding 33 billion rand, roughly equivalent to 2 billion euros.
“Our rebrand marks a new dawn for us as SanlamAllianz. It strengthens our commitment to delivering quality, client-focused life and general insurance solutions. We will accelerate our market effectiveness by adopting innovative technology-based approaches and tapping into the broader SanlamAllianz global ecosystem,” Dr Tumbo said.
SanlamAllianz Group CEO Mr Heinie Werth said the company’s ambition across Africa is to rank among the top three players in each of its markets. He affirmed full support to the Kenyan subsidiary as it aligns with the group’s expectations for operational excellence, market expansion and value creation.
Werth said the company will implement a shared value approach with clients, business partners, regulators and local communities to reinforce sustainable market growth. He added that the joint venture is anchored on four strategic pillars that shape the group’s long-term ambition across Africa.
The first pillar focuses on markets and clients, with an emphasis on strengthening leadership in both life and general insurance. This includes enhancing client access and experience through innovative and customer-centric distribution models.
The second pillar covers economic and social impact. SanlamAllianz intends to embed environmental, social and governance principles into core business functions to drive responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable operations in African markets.
The financial pillar underscores the importance of consistent delivery on key metrics. According to the group, this will help maintain financial resilience and provide long-term economic value for shareholders.
The fourth pillar is people. The company plans to develop a high-performance culture that attracts and retains skilled talent. Leadership believes that empowering employees will strengthen execution and innovation across all markets.
SanlamAllianz Kenya expects that being part of a globally recognised insurance powerhouse will accelerate product development and knowledge exchange. The company aims to expand its offerings with new risk solutions, protection products and digital tools tailored to Kenya’s evolving financial landscape.
Management said the rebrand is designed to position the company for stronger growth, support future generations with financial security, and contribute to building a more resilient insurance sector in Kenya.
