Comparison · Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Insurance markets compared: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Kenya has the deepest insurance market of the four (2.39% of GDP, 2023), ahead of Tanzania (2.08%, 2024), Uganda (0.87%, 2024) and Ethiopia (0.3%, 2024/25). In every country most people still have little or no private cover — which is why comparing before you buy matters.
Side by side
| Penetration (% of GDP) | Premiums | Licensed insurers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 2.39% (2023) | KES 235.39 bn life + KES 227.17 bn general (2025) | 22 life, 35 general, 5 micro (2026) |
| Uganda | 0.87% (2024) | UGX 1,763.99 bn (2024) | 9 life, 19 non-life, 4 micro (2026) |
| Tanzania | 2.08% (2024) | TZS 1,516.3 bn (2024) | 33 active on the register |
| Ethiopia | 0.3% (2024/25) | ETB 41.1 bn (2024/25) | 18 |
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Frequently asked questions
Which East African country has the highest insurance penetration?
Kenya, at 2.39% of GDP in 2023 according to IRA's annual report, followed by Tanzania at 2.08% in 2024.