IRA declares closure of Directline Assurance Company null and void

Business
By Edwin Nyarangi | Jun 11, 2024
IRA CEO Godfrey Kiptum during the Continental Reinsurance 10 years anniversary Celebrations, on Thursday, October 11 2018. [David Njaaga, Standard]

The Insurance Regulatory Authority(IRA) has termed as null and void communication made by Royal Credit Limited in regards to the operations of Directline Assurance Company.

IRA CEO Godfrey Kiptum in statement issued to newsrooms said that the purported actions are null and devoid of any legal effect and as such the insurer continues in full operation as licensed and approved by the Authority.

Kiptum said that the purported transfer of the assets of Directline Assurance Company associated with Royal Media Services Chairman Samuel Kamau Macharia to any third party is therefore null and void.

"All policies issued by Directline Assurance Company Limited remain in full force and effect and the insurer remains liable for any claims arising there from," said Kiptum.

The IRA CEO directed that All policyholders of the insurer may continue with their operations in accordance with their insurance contracts.

He said that IRA has the sole statutory mandate to approve, suspend or cancel the operations of any insurance company in Kenya and this duty cannot be usurped by any unauthorized party.

Kiptum said that the insurer has been placed under heightened surveillance by the Authority which will take necessary steps as may be appropriate, pursuant to the provisions of the Insurance Act, CAP 487 Laws of Kenya.

"This is to ensure sustainability of the insurer and protection of insurance policyholders' interests," said Kiptum.

Macharia who is also the Chairman of Royal Credit Limited announced yesterday that Directline Assurance Company which commands the largest share of the Public Service Vehicle Insurance has ceased its operations in the country.

Macharia in a statement aired on Citizen Television on Monday night said the company had stopped offering services and terminated its staff contracts with all assets owned by Directline being taken over by Royal Credit Limited.

"The latest decision has been occasioned due to all the closure of all Directline Assurance Company bank accounts by the Insurance Regulatory Authority," said Macharia.

Share this story
Stanbic Bank records marginal jump in half-year profit to Sh6.6b
Stanbic Holdings posted a marginal rise in half-year profit to Sh6.61 billion but cut its interim dividend by more than half despite stronger asset quality.
Surge in Tanzania, Uganda units push EABL net profit to record Sh18.2 billion
Regional brewer East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) has posted a record net profit of Sh18.2 billion for the year ended June 2026.
KNCCI, Co-operative Bank to expand financial access for small businesses
Limited access to affordable trade finance continues to lock out thousands of Kenyan farmers, cooperatives and MSMEs from lucrative international markets.
Canada-based diaspora Sacco unveil Sharia-compliant loan products
Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco has unveiled Sharia-compliant loans to facilitate products for emergency, education and asset finance.
Harrison Keter elected as IEK President
Harrison Keter has been elected as the President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), taking the reins from Shammah Kiteme whose term stated in 2024.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS