Britam Connect Pays KES 20.5M Flood Claims in Tana River

In Short

Britam Connect, the inclusive insurance arm of Britam, paid KES 20.5 million in flood insurance claims to 3,038 households in Tana River County.

The payout was triggered by satellite river flow data after flooding during the 2026 long rains season.

What Happened: How Britam Connect Used Index-Based Flood Insurance

Britam Connect said flooding in parts of Tana River County displaced 3,127 families, submerged homes and farms, and disrupted access to essential services. The insurer noted that many households in the area depend on livestock keeping, small scale farming, and casual work, which can be heavily affected by floods.

The payout covered households in Sala, Chewele, and Madogo wards. It was made under Britam Mafuriko, an insurance solution delivered through the Index-Based Flood Insurance (IBFI) project.

Britam said the product uses satellite imagery, data modelling, and predefined river flow thresholds to decide when a qualifying flood event triggers compensation. This is an index based approach, meaning payouts are based on measured conditions like river flow, not on inspecting each person’s losses.

The company said river flows in the insured wards rose to nearly four times normal levels during the long rains season. That exceeded the policy trigger and activated compensation.

Britam Connect CEO Evah Kimani said, “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.”

Why It Matters: Faster Payouts And A Path To Paid Premiums

Britam said the policy provides compensation based on the highest qualifying flood event during the season. It also said the final payout was determined after the March to May long rains season ended and final river flow data became available, followed by calculations and beneficiary verification.

The company added that forecasts indicate heightened El Niño related rainfall risks during the October to December short rains season. It said the current policy runs will remain in place until February 2027.

Britam also pointed to a 2023 pilot in which 300 households received a KES 15 million payout after severe flooding in the Upper Tana region. It said most households that previously benefited from fully subsidised insurance are now contributing to their premiums.