An insurance investigator is a licensed professional or firm engaged to investigate suspected fraudulent claims, gather facts surrounding disputed losses, and provide reports that assist insurers in claims assessment and litigation. Given the rising incidence of insurance fraud in Kenya, investigators form an important part of the claims management ecosystem. They are licensed by the IRA as insurance service providers under Section 150 of the Insurance Act, Cap. 487.
Fees and Charges
| Fee / Charge | Current Amount (KES) | Proposed Amount — Draft Regs 2025 (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration / licence fee | 3,000 | 10,000 |
| Annual renewal fee | 3,000 | 10,000 |
Qualification and Competency Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance qualification | Must have passed or been exempted from the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) examination, offered by the College of Insurance |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years working experience in insurance investigation |
| Certificate of good conduct | Required for the Principal Officer |
| Corporate entity | Proof of sound financial standing required |
Nature of the Role
Insurance investigators are engaged directly by insurers, reinsurers, or their legal representatives. They do not represent policyholders or claimants. Their work product — investigation reports, witness statements, surveillance records — is provided to the instructing insurer and may be relied upon in claims negotiations or court proceedings. Investigators must conduct their work in accordance with Kenyan law, including applicable privacy and data protection regulations under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
The IRA’s draft 2025 regulations propose a tenfold increase in the annual fee for investigators, from KES 3,000 to KES 10,000, as part of a broad recalibration of service provider fees.
Regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) under the Insurance Act, Cap. 487, Laws of Kenya.