IRA Tools and Red Flags (2025 Guide)
With insurance scams on the rise, verifying the legitimacy of an insurance agent in Kenya is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying health, motor, or life insurance, working with a licensed agent ensures your policy is valid, your claims are honored, and your money is protected. In 2025, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has made it easier for Kenyans to confirm agent credentials through online tools and public databases.
This guide walks you through the verification process step by step, highlights common red flags, and shows how to report suspicious agents.
1. Why Verification Matters
- Legal Protection: Only licensed agents can legally sell insurance in Kenya.
- Claim Validity: Policies sold by unlicensed agents may be rejected during claims.
- Fraud Prevention: Fake agents often collect premiums and disappear.
- Consumer Rights: Licensed agents are bound by IRA’s code of conduct and dispute resolution channels.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Verify an Insurance Agent
Step 1: Visit the IRA Licensed Agents Portal
Go to the official IRA Licensed Insurance Agents page.
Step 2: Search by Name or License Number
Use the search bar to enter the agent’s full name, business name, or license number. You can also filter by year or category (e.g. brokers, claims agents).
Step 3: Confirm License Status
Check that the agent is listed with a valid license number and current registration year (e.g. IRA/06/XXX/2025). If the agent is missing or expired, do not proceed.
Step 4: Cross-Check with the Insurer
Call or email the insurance company the agent claims to represent. Confirm that the agent is authorized to sell their products.
Step 5: Use the IRA Online Portal
Log in via IRA’s eCitizen portal to view agent profiles, license status, and payment history.
3. Red Flags to Watch Out For
| Red Flag | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| No license number or expired ID | Agent may be operating illegally |
| Pressure to pay in cash or M-PESA | Scam tactic to avoid traceability |
| No official receipt or policy document | Premium may not be remitted to insurer |
| Agent operates only via WhatsApp or Facebook | Avoids formal channels and accountability |
| Claims to represent multiple insurers | IRA rules allow one insurer per agent |
| Refuses to provide IRA license or registration | Likely hiding non-compliance |
4. Real Scam Examples
- Fake Motor Insurance: A Nairobi-based agent issued counterfeit motor covers using logos from Jubilee and APA. Victims discovered the fraud during police checks.
- Ghost Life Policies: Clients paid premiums for life insurance but never received policy numbers or confirmation. The agent was not listed on IRA’s portal.
- Social Media Scams: Fraudsters posed as agents on Facebook, offering “discounted” health covers and collecting payments via personal M-PESA lines.
5. How to Report a Suspicious Agent
- IRA Complaints Email: Send details to
complaints@ira.go.keorcustomercare@ira.go.ke - Toll-Free Hotline: Call 0800 724 499
- DCI Cybercrime Unit: Report fraud and obtain an OB number
- Insurance Company: Notify the insurer whose name was misused
Include:
- Agent’s name and contact
- Screenshots of communication
- Payment receipts or M-PESA statements
- Description of the incident
Final Thoughts
Verifying an insurance agent in Kenya is not just a formality—it’s a safeguard against fraud, financial loss, and invalid policies. With IRA’s online tools and public databases, every Kenyan has the power to confirm legitimacy before signing or paying. If anything feels off, pause and check. Your peace of mind is worth the extra step.
