Our Team - First Assurance Kenya

Board of Directors

Mary Ngige

Board Chairperson

Mary Ngige

Board Chairperson

Mary has over 20 years accounting experience and practice.

She has served in various boards and board committee meetings for both private and publicly listed companies. Mary is a qualified accountant of many years and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

She is currently in her final stages of Masters of Business Administration at the Strathmore Business schools. She has audited many firms while at Deloitte and Touche and held directorships at various companies which include CMC Group, Kenindia Assurance Limited.

Mary currents sits in the Boards of Centum Investment Company Plc, Platcorp Holdings Limited, Platinum Credit Limited and Premier Kenya where she chairs the Audit and Risk Board Committees.

Allan Walmsley

Director

Allan Walmsley

Director

Allan is a Chartered Accountant and joined the board in 2005. He was the Managing Director of Sameer Africa Limited. He has previously worked with Price Waterhouse Coopers in Zimbabwe, Sun Internal in South Africa, Lonrho Plc UK, Lonrho Motors East Africa, First Alliance Pensions and Benefits Nigeria and Royal Exchange PLC in Nigeria, among others. He has also done consultancy work for several leading South African companies regarding expansion of their activities into other African Countries

Dr. Laila Macharia

Director

Dr. Laila Macharia

Director

Dr. Laila joined the Board in August 2014. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Metro (formerly Scion Real), a pan-African investment company focused on urban development, and the current Vice Chairman of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). She holds a Doctorate in Law from Stanford Law School, a Masters in Law from Stanford Law School, a Masters in Law from Cornell Law School, a Bachelor of Law from Cornell Law School and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Oregon. She is a lawyer by training with experience in corporate finance transactions structuring.

Mugove Nyimo

Director

Mugove Nyimo

Director

Mugove has more than 20 years’ experience within the financial service industry and has led and executed several strategic development initiatives, ranging from organisational innovation, underwriting, operations, actuarial, distribution and change management strategies, and ensured business growth both in the Pan Africa landscape and South African Insurance Industry in recent years. Since his appointment at Absa in February 2009 and prior to his recent appointment as Head of ARO Insurance in August 2022, he served in several key roles including that of Absa Life Operations Manager for Complex Life and Investments; MD for High advice within Absa Life Limited; MD for Absa Life Zambia Limited; and MD for Instant Life Proprietary Limited. He currently serves as a NED on the Absa Life Zambia Limited and Instant Life Limited boards. Prior to joining Absa, Mugove served as Head of Life Underwriting Africa (ManCo Member) at Swiss Re Africa, from the period March 2005 to September 2007. He later Headed the Life Insurance Division at Innovation Group from October 2007 to January 2009.

Senior Management Team

Stephen Lokonyo

Managing Director

Stephen Lokonyo

Managing Director

Stephen joined First Assurance company in June 2021 from UAP Insurance Tanzania Ltd where he was the Managing Director. Prior to joining UAP , Stephen held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Britam Insurance (Tanzania) Limited since November 2015. He began his career in Underwriting at Heritage Insurance Company Limited in Kenya in 1995 where he served until moving to UAP Insurance Company Limited (Kenya) in 2004 as an Underwriting Manager (Corporate Business).

He later moved to AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited in 2010 as the Profit Centre Manager (Property, Energy & Marine) for two years. Thereafter, he joined REAL Insurance Kenya Limited as the Senior Underwriting Manager and later promoted to the Head of Broker Relationship in January 2015.After the merger of Real Insurance and Britam General, He was transferred to Tanzania to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer. Following the successful acquisition by Britam Holdings in 2014, Stephen led the rebranding of Real Insurance Tanzania to Britam Insurance in 2016. He has also played a significant role in the turnaround of the business from a loss position in 2015 to consistent profitability since 2016. Stephen is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII - UK) with 24 years’ experience in leading insurance companies in East Africa and over 10 years in Executive Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Insurance option) from the University of Nairobi.

Reuben Bundi

Chief Finance Officer

Reuben Bundi

Chief Finance Officer

Reuben Bundi joined First Assurance Company as the Chief Finance Officer in August 2019. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Maseno University. He is also a practicing member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Reuben has 14 years all round experience in audit, finance and accounting, staff- training, consultancy, taxation and internal audit. He started his career with Deloitte and Touché, a leading international professional services firm, where he worked for a total of 10 years. He has also worked as a Business performance manager at UAP insurance, a Senior Internal Audit Manager at CIC Group and the Chief Finance Officer.at Airworks Kenya Limited

Johannes Kitaka (PhD)

Chief Operating Officer

Johannes Kitaka (PhD)

Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Johannes Kitaka joined First Assurance Company in February 2018. With a wealth of experience in multinational companies’ set-ups in insurance, investments and motor industry with wider exposure to East Africa, Middle East, Brazil, South Africa, USA and Egypt. Johannes largely specializes in Finance and Accounting, strategic management, Insurance Industry Sustainability and lately Operations Management, Governance, Compliance, Controls and Agility. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Finance Officer in Jubilee and AIG insurance companies .As a General Manager, Finance and Sales in Isuzu Motors East Africa Limited. Dr Johannes Kitaka is seasoned Finance professional for over 28 years and hold a PHD in Business Administration, Banking and Finance from Dedan Kimathi University, Master in Business Administration, specializing in Business Finance, a minor in Strategic Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Nairobi. He is a CPA (K),CPS (K) and a member of both ICPAK and ICPSK. He currently sits in the AKI Motor Pool Committee among other leadership roles.

Hillary Mwangi

Head of Medical Insurance Business

Hillary Mwangi

Head of Medical Insurance Business

Hilary joined First Assurance company in 2010 and has successfully spearheaded the growth strategy of the Medical Insurance division turning First Assurance into one of the leading Medical Insurance underwriters in the country. He holds a BSc in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi and an Executive MBA from USIU Chandaria School of Business. Hilary is an Actuary and a member of the Actuarial profession (UK) with extensive insurance experience in specialized areas of pricing, analysis, reserving and product design

Denis Adem

ICT Manager

Denis Adem

ICT Manager

Denis joined First Assurance Company in October 2007. Prior to joining First Assurance he worked with Simba Technology as senior systems analyst and 3i InfoTech as implementation consultant and reports developer. He has a depth of experience with over 13 years in systems analysis, requirement analysis, business intelligence, systems implementation and project management.. Denis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is an Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).

Paul Sewe

Head of Branch Network and Tied Agencies

Paul Sewe

Head of Branch Network and Tied Agencies

Paul joined the company as the Head of Claims and Branch Network in February 2018. Prior to this appointment, Paul served as a Head of Claims with Jubilee Insurance -Tanzania for four years, Britam Kenya and Rwanda where he grew his career from an Accounts Assistant to Underwriting and Claims Manager. He has valuable experience in Insurance branch operations, life assurance management and general insurance operations. Paul has a Bachelor of commerce (Insurance Option) from University of Nairobi, Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) and a Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI). He has also undertaken a senior Leadership management course at Strathmore University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Commerce – Strategic Management from Strathmore University.

Anne Njiru

Head of Corporate Business

Anne Njiru

Head of Corporate Business

Anne is a well-seasoned Insurance professional with over 23 years of immense experience in Business development. Prior to this role, Anne served as a Manager Business Development at Heritage Insurance Company of Kenya. She holds a Degree in Land Economics and is a Chartered Insurer.(CII) UK.

John Mugambi

Head of Underwriting and Reinsurance

John Mugambi

Head of Underwriting and Reinsurance

John Mugambi joined First Assurance Company on 1st October 2021. Prior to this appointment, He has worked in various companies including Jubilee General Insurance, Kenyan Alliance as a claims officer and ICEALION as a supervisor in Underwriting. Heritage General insurance where he held various roles to Managerial position in Underwriting, Madison and Britam General Insurance respectively as the Head of Underwriting and reinsurance. He has 20 years of experience in General Insurance ranging from Underwriting, Reinsurance, and customer service John holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in insurance from the University of Nairobi and a diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute of London.(CII)

Daniel G. Mwangi

Head of Bancassurance and Retail business

Daniel G. Mwangi

Head of Bancassurance and Retail business

Daniel joined First Assurance Company in March 2021. Prior to this appointment. he has worked at Minet Insurance Brokers Ltd ,Zamara Insurance Brokers and thereafter at Saham Assurance. He is a seasoned insurance practitioner with over 12 years’ experience in the industry and has been a transformative Bancassurance business strategist for sustainable and profitable growth of the channel. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Finance from Edinburgh Napier University, Diploma in Insurance from AIIK and Certificate Course in Arbitration CIArb. He has also undertaken a senior management course at Strathmore University under the Aspire Leadership Program.

Elias Kariuki

Manager Internal Audit

Elias Kariuki

Manager Internal Audit

Elias Joined First Assurance Company in 2014. Prior to this appointment, he worked as a senior audit executive at Kenya Orient Insurance company and a senior auditor at KKCO East Africa. He has over 14 years of experience in audit, risk and compliance roles, with extensive experience in executing risk controls, investigations, governance, and management activities. Elias holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Accounting option) he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Jane Muthee

Head of claims –Non-Medical Business

Jane Muthee

Head of claims –Non-Medical Business

Jane Muthee joined First Assurance company on 26th September 2019 she has 11 years all round experience in General Insurance business as well as Banc assurance. Prior to joining the Company, she worked for Heritage Insurance Company and UAP-Old Mutual Group. Jane holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Science) from the University of Nairobi. She also holds Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) from the Chartered Institute of Insurance (UK) and is an Associate member of The Insurance institute of Kenya (AIIK).

Emily Gachaiya

Human Resources Business Partner

Emily Gachaiya

Human Resources Business Partner

Emily joined First Assurance Company in April 2020. Prior to this appointment , she worked with Minet Kenya Insurance brokers. She has 10 years of progressive experience in the insurance industry with notable experience in strategic human resource planning, performance management, talent management, compliance, employee benefits, employee relations, compensation, payroll, training and development and very passionate about talent and organizational effectiveness. Emily holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Human Resource option and a Masters in Human Resource Management from KCA University. She is a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management.

Peter Nuthu

Finance Manager

Peter Nuthu

Finance Manager

Peter Joined First Assurance in March 2015 as the Audit and Risk Assistant Manager where he helped in the establishment of the internal Audit and Risk function of the business. Upon of the acquisition of the company by Absa Group, Peter assumed the role of the Governance and Control Manager until March 2018. He later joined the Finance as the Finance Manager, a position he serves to date. He started his career as an Audit associate with KKCO East Africa LLP, Certified Public Accountants, where he rose to the rank of an Audit Supervisor within the 5 years of his service as an external auditor. He has also served as a Risk and Compliance Officer with Opportunity Kenya, Micro Finance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Accounting option) from Kenyatta University. He is also an active and practicing member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK). Peter has over 12 years all round experience in financial reporting, accounting, external and internal audit, risk controls and compliance.

Shifrine Simwa

Customer Service Manager

Shifrine Simwa

Customer Service Manager

Shifrine joined First Assurance company on 9th November 2020. Prior to this appointment he worked in various roles in the insurance and telecom sectors. Over the years he has specialized in customer experience projects, client service initiatives, sales generation, stakeholder relationships, and training. He has championed end to end set-up and management of Contact /service centers, including strategy, systems, process flow formulation, service operation routines, standard operating procedures, governance, compliance and controls. Shifrine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi, he is a Fellow of Life Management Association (FLMI), a Professional of Customer Service, an Underwriter (UND), and holds a certificate in Advanced Customer Service Management. He is a member of the Institute of Customer Experience (ICX), The Insurance Institute of Kenya (IIK), and the Life office management Association (LOMA).

Peter Mwaniki

Reinsurance Manager

Peter Mwaniki

Reinsurance Manager

Peter Mwaniki joined First Assurance company in April 2022, He is a reinsurance professional with over 8 years’ experience in the insurance industry, having worked for ICEA Lion General Insurance, First Re Brokers and Pioneer General Insurance Peter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Nairobi (UON). He is an Associate member of the Insurance Institute of Kenya (AIIK) and has a Certificate of Proficiency in Reinsurance from Zep-Re Academy, certificate from Africa Re Young Insurance Professional Program (YIPP) and a certificate from Swiss Re’s Class of Excellence

Justice Rono Kiprotich

Governance and Controls Manager

Justice Rono Kiprotich

Governance and Controls Manager

Justice Rono Kiprotich Joined First Assurance on the11th December 2023 as a Governance and Controls Manager with effect from 11th December 2023.He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Actuarial Science from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with an ongoing Master of Science in Finance from the University of Nairobi. He has a Certificate of Insurance Law from the Chartered Insurance Institute of London, Insurance Papers from the Swiss Re Academy, a Diploma in Insurance (IIK) from the College of Insurance Nairobi, and a progress in Certified Public Accountant (CPA) papers from KASNEB. He joins First Assurance from Old Mutual Holdings Plc where he served as a Risk & Compliance Officer. Before that, he held various positions in the industry including Risk Officer and Head of Risk and Compliance at Corporate Insurance Company Limited and Risk Officer, Audit-Risk Officer, Claims Assessor, and Head of Risk Champions at Apollo Group-APA Insurance Company Limited.

Sanau Kantai

Actuary

Sanau Kantai

Actuary

Sanau Kantai joined First Assurance Company as the Actuary in April 2022. She previously worked at Zamara Actuaries, Administrators and Consultants Limited where she undertook various assignments for general insurers and social security providers across Africa. This included general and health insurance actuarial valuations, data analytics, regulatory solvency and economic capital modelling, and reinsurance reviews and certifications. Sanau is an Associate Actuary of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK). She holds a Master of Science in Actuarial Management and a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science. She is also a member of The Actuarial Society of Kenya (TASK).

Merrita Maunda

Manager Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering

Merrita Maunda

Manager Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering

Meritta holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Nairobi and a degree in Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI) with specialization in Global Financial Compliance. She is also an Accredited Certified Compliance Professional of Africa (ACCPA) and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). She also holds a Certificate of Profeciency (ECOP) from the College of Insurance and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She has joined First Assurance from Jubilee Insurance Limited where she was a Money Laundering Reporting Officer, prior to which she held various capacities in the Compliance Function in HFM Investments Limited, NCBA Bank Kenya and NCBA Investment Bank . She has also worked at British American Tobacco Limited and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company in various capacities in Finance Function. She loves reading, socializing and building networks. She is also passionate about training people.

Elizabeth mungai

Underwriting Manager

Elizabeth mungai

Underwriting Manager

Winnie Muchomba

Risk Manager

Winnie Muchomba

Risk Manager

Winnie holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree of Education in Mathematics and Business Studies from Kenyatta University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. She is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) and Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Winnie has over 12 years’ all round experience in audit, risk management and compliance roles. She has joined First Assurance from GA Insurance Limited as the Head of Risk and Compliance, prior to which she worked at Kenya Orient Insurance Limited and Alpha Africa Asset Managers serving as a Risk Executive in both. She has also worked as an Audit Senior in KKCO East Africa.

Faith Mwenda

Branch Manager, Town Office (Nairobi)

Faith Mwenda

Branch Manager, Town Office (Nairobi)

Faith joined First Assurance Kenya Limited on 1st September 2020, Prior to joining the company, she worked at Kenya Orient Insurance Limited as a Branch Manager. She comes with wealth of over 15 years' experience in Insurance having worked with various dynamic Insurance brokers and underwriters. She holds a bachelor’s degree-Finance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology. She an Associate member of the Insurance Institute of Kenya (AIIK)

Stephen Simiyu

Branch Manager, Mombasa

Stephen Simiyu

Branch Manager, Mombasa

Stephen joined the company in October 2017.He has over 9 years’ experience in insurance industry having worked with various underwriters. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kenya Methodist University ,a Diploma in Business Management (KIM), an advanced Diploma in insurance from the Insurance Institute of London (ACII) and he is an Associate member of Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

Wilfred Lobatan Kiptalam

Branch Manager, Nakuru

Wilfred Lobatan Kiptalam

Branch Manager, Nakuru

Wilfred joined the company on 20th August 2019. Prior to joining the company, he worked for Heritage Insurance Company as a senior Underwriter. He has over 8 years all round experience in General Insurance business Wilfred holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi. Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Strategic Management(UON) and a Diploma in Insurance (IIK).

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Head office

First Assurance House,
Clyde Gardens,
Gitanga Road, Lavington

Emails

– Complaints: complaints@firstassurance.co.ke
– Customer enquiries: customercare@firstassurance.co.ke
– Medical claims: claimsmedical@firstassurance.co.ke
– General Claims: claims@firstassurance.co.ke
– Medical underwriting: medunderwriting@firstassurance.co.ke
– General underwriting: underwriting@firstassurance.co.ke

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+254 709 544 000
+254 722444117
(0) 20 290 0000

Individual

Corporate

Board of Directors

Mary Ngige

Allan Walmsley

Dr. Laila Macharia

Mugove Nyimo

Senior Management Team

Stephen Lokonyo

Reuben Bundi

Johannes Kitaka (PhD)

Hillary Mwangi

Denis Adem

Paul Sewe

Anne Njiru

John Mugambi

Daniel G. Mwangi

Elias Kariuki

Jane Muthee

Emily Gachaiya

Peter Nuthu

Shifrine Simwa

Peter Mwaniki

Justice Rono Kiprotich

Sanau Kantai

Merrita Maunda

Elizabeth mungai

Winnie Muchomba

Faith Mwenda

Stephen Simiyu

Wilfred Lobatan Kiptalam

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