Bupa Global, a leading international private medical insurance (IPMI) provider, has opened its first office in Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This milestone follows the approval of an insurance license for Bupa Global by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) of Kenya.
Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, has been identified as a key growth market in Bupa Global’s IPMI strategy. The country has experienced continuous GDP growth in recent years and has a long-term goal to achieve middle-income status by 2030, with the country’s health insurance market projected to nearly double in size, growing from $1.42 billion in 2022 to $2.77 billion during the same time period.
From day one, the new office will employ a local team and non-executive directors, ensuring that Bupa Global is attuned to the needs of its brokers, customers and the Kenyan market. Leadership will be spearheaded by a new CEO and Principal Officer, Uditha Jayaratne.
This expansion reflects broader trends across sub-Saharan Africa, with earlier predictions identifying it as a leading area of IPMI growth, projected at around 14-15% Compound Annual Growth Rate by 2025.1
Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director, Bupa Global, commented: “Kenya is a crucial market for us and a gateway to the incredible opportunities we see across Africa. With a local office and continued investments in digital capabilities, we’re creating an ecosystem that makes world-class healthcare more accessible across the region.”
The Kenyan government’s Vision 2030 plan, which prioritises access to quality healthcare, provides an ideal environment for Bupa Global’s services. The recent enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, mandating health coverage for all citizens, underscores the growing demand for comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions.
The Nairobi office will help meet this demand by using innovative new digital tools and offering a range of international health insurance plans designed for SMEs, individuals, expatriates and corporates.
Customers will benefit from direct access to leading medical specialists and a global network of top healthcare providers. Existing customers in Kenya will continue to enjoy uninterrupted service as they transition to the local office.
Uditha Jayaratne, CEO and Principal Officer, Bupa Global Kenya, added: “Opening our Nairobi office shows how committed we are to success in the region. With a local team on the ground and strong partnerships with local providers and intermediaries, we can offer care that really meets people’s needs.”
In 2023, Bupa Global committed nearly £55M over five years to enhance its digital capabilities. Expanding access to digital healthcare will be key to meeting the growing demand for critical services across Africa, enabling greater convenience and affordability for customers.
As part of its commitment to community wellbeing, the Bupa Foundation is also co-sponsoring initiatives such as boreholes for clean drinking water and medical camps providing urgent care in the Masai Mara.
