Nairobi, Kenya is now home to Bupa Global’s first office in Africa. Bupa Global is a prominent supplier of international private medical insurance (IPMI). This comes after Bupa Global’s insurance license was approved by Kenya’s Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
In Bupa Global’s IPMI strategy, Kenya—the biggest economy in East Africa—has been recognized as a critical growth market. With a long-term objective of becoming middle-income by 2030, the nation has seen steady GDP growth in recent years. The health insurance market is expected to almost double in size, rising from $1.42 billion in 2022 to $2.77 billion in the same time frame.
In order to better serve its brokers, clients, and the Kenyan market, Bupa Global will have a local staff and non-executive directors working in the new office. Uditha Jayaratne, the new CEO and Principal Officer, will be in charge of leadership.
Earlier forecasts identified this region as a leading area of IPMI growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate of approximately 14–15% by 2025. This expansion parallels broader trends throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
“Kenya is an important market for us and a gateway to the incredible opportunities we see throughout Africa,” said Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director, Bupa Global. We’re building an ecosystem that increases access to top-notch healthcare in the area with a local office and ongoing investments in digital capabilities.
The Vision 2030 strategy of the Kenyan government, which places a high priority on access to high-quality healthcare, offers the perfect setting for Bupa Global’s services. The recent passing of the Social Health Insurance Act, which requires all residents to have health insurance, highlights the rising need for all-inclusive and easily accessible healthcare solutions.
Using cutting-edge modern digital tools and providing a variety of foreign health insurance policies tailored for SMEs, individuals, expats, and corporations, the Nairobi office will assist in meeting this need.
Direct access to world-class medical specialists and a global network of renowned healthcare providers will be advantageous to customers. As they move to the local office, current Kenyan clients will continue to get uninterrupted service.
Bupa Global Kenya’s CEO and Principal Officer, Uditha Jayaratne, went on to say: “We are demonstrating our dedication to regional success by opening our Nairobi office. Strong relationships with regional providers and intermediaries, along with a local staff on the ground, enable us to provide care that truly addresses people’s needs.
Bupa Global made a five-year commitment in 2023 to invest up to £55 million in improving its digital capabilities. Meeting the increasing demand for essential services throughout Africa will require expanding access to digital healthcare, which will provide consumers with more convenience and cost.
In keeping with its dedication to community well-being, the Bupa Foundation is also co-sponsoring projects like medical camps that offer urgent care in the Masai Mara and boreholes that provide clean drinking water.
