Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya has appointed Jacqueline Karasha as chief executive officer of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited, effective November 1, 2026. Karasha will succeed Dr Patrick Tumbo, who is retiring after more than eight years leading the life insurance business.
Karasha brings more than 17 years of experience in life insurance, leadership and sales to the role. Her appointment comes as the insurer seeks to strengthen its market position, improve customer service and pursue further growth in Kenya’s life insurance sector.
As chief executive, Karasha will be responsible for leading the company’s growth strategy and overseeing its business priorities. These include strengthening its competitive position, improving the customer experience and supporting innovation in insurance products and services.
Life insurance companies operate in a market where customer confidence, product accessibility and the ability to meet policy obligations are important considerations. Insurers must also respond to changing consumer needs, competition and the growing demand for financial protection and long-term savings products.
Karasha’s experience in sales and leadership is relevant to the company’s efforts to expand its reach and improve engagement with customers. However, the extent of the changes under her leadership will become clearer as the company sets out its priorities and performance targets.
Her appointment also marks a leadership transition following Tumbo’s tenure of more than eight years. Leadership changes can provide an opportunity for businesses to review their strategies while maintaining continuity in customer service and existing policy commitments.
Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya operates within a financial services market in which insurers are competing to attract and retain customers through product development, distribution networks and service delivery. Sustained growth will depend on the company’s ability to balance expansion with sound risk management and customer satisfaction.
Karasha is scheduled to take up the position on November 1. Attention will now turn to the priorities she establishes for the life insurance business and how the company plans to translate its growth ambitions into stronger market performance and improved customer outcomes.
