As the world turns its focus to love this February, it is worth reflecting on how deeply we value those we hold dear.
Love, after all, is more than a fleeting emotion; it’s a commitment to safeguarding the future of those who matter most.
Insurance is one of the most profound ways to show love—a gesture that goes beyond flowers and chocolates to provide security, peace of mind, and stability for life’s unpredictable journey.
Statistics tell a compelling story: only three percent of Kenyans have life insurance, and less than 30 percent have medical coverage.
These numbers reveal a significant opportunity to reframe how we think about protection.
Over 60 percent of families face financial ruin within a year of losing a breadwinner, and nearly 80 percent of retirees struggle with financial insecurity. Insurance is not just about mitigating risks; it’s about enabling dreams, protecting legacies, and ensuring that love endures in tangible ways.
Imagine the joy of knowing your loved ones can thrive even in the face of life’s challenges. Whether it’s a motor insurance package that ensures safe journeys, travel insurance for unforgettable adventures, medical coverage that prioritises well-being, or a life and pension plan that secures futures, each policy is a declaration of care and foresight.
But beyond individual security, insurance strengthens communities and economies. Studies show that countries with higher insurance penetration have stronger economic resilience, allowing families to recover faster from setbacks.
When we invest in protection, we reduce the financial burden on relatives, prevent disruptions in education for children, and create generational wealth that can uplift entire communities. It is time to shift our perspective—insurance is not an expense; it is an investment in love, stability, and a better future.
Consider this: medical emergencies are among the leading causes of poverty worldwide, with over 1.4 million Kenyans pushed into financial distress annually due to unexpected health expenses.
A simple health insurance plan can mean the difference between a family maintaining its financial stability or falling into debt.
The same applies to education—life insurance policies can ensure that children’s education continues, even in the absence of their parents. Love is not just about being present today; it is about securing tomorrow.
In addition, the evolving economic landscape has made financial preparedness more critical than ever. Research indicates that 70 percent of Kenyans aged above 40 have not started saving for retirement, which poses a major challenge in their later years.
Pension and life insurance plans offer a structured way to build wealth over time, ensuring that our loved ones are cared for even when we can no longer provide for them directly. True financial love is making sure that our families are equipped with the resources they need to maintain their lifestyles and aspirations.
This Valentine’s Day, I urge everyone to view insurance as an enduring act of love. As we navigate a world filled with uncertainties, let us make choices that reflect care, commitment, and resilience. To love is to protect, and to protect is to insure—this is the new lens through which we must see insurance.
Let’s build a culture where love means preparing for tomorrow, where our actions today echo the promises, we make to those we cherish.
The writer is Principal Officer – Kenyan Alliance Insurance
