Equity Life Assurance net profit up 16% Sh1.24 billion

Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Limited (ELAK) has reported stronger profitability, balance sheet growth and continued scale-up of its digital-first distribution model for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The firm’s audited financial results show that it recorded a profit after tax of Sh1.24 billion, up 16.2 per cent from 2024, while profit before tax rose 27.5 per cent to Sh1.78 billion.

Earnings per share improved to 2,954 from 2,542 in the prior year. Gross written premium increased 40 per cent to Sh7.3 billion, reflecting higher uptake across protection, savings, and retirement solutions.

Topline performance was supported by growth in both underwriting and investment returns.

Insurance revenue increased 45.4 per cent to Sh2.08 billion, investment income grew 38.7 per cent to Sh4.19 billion, and the net insurance and investment result rose 33.5 per cent to Sh1.97 billion.

Insurance arm for Equity Bank Holdings Limited saw its balance sheet expand by 31.6 per cent to Sh31.88 billion in total assets, while insurance contract liabilities grew 25.4 per cent to Sh24.9 billion, reflecting growth in the underlying book.

Liquidity improved, with the current ratio rising to 168 from 159 per cent.

The business reported returns of 36 per cent on equity and four per cent on assets.

Capital adequacy strengthened to 300 per cent from 278 per cent in 2024, supporting long-term commitments to policyholders and retirement members.

The Deposit Administration Fund closed the year at Sh17.3 billion, up 24.8 per cent from Sh13.9 billion in 2024.

During the year, ELAK received Sh3.1 billion in pension deposits, paid out Sh1.9 billion in benefits, and credited Sh2.6 billion in interest to members, an increase of 26.2 per cent.

The Company continued to demonstrate distribution strength at scale.

ELAK had issued 19.2 million cumulative policies in the first three months of 2025, up 36 per cent from 14.1 million a year earlier, and served 6.9 million unique customers, up 17 per cent from 5.9 million.

Digital channels accounted for 79 per cent of policies issued, while Equity Bank’s branch network remained a critical channel for key consumer segments.

Operationally, ELAK’s investment portfolio expanded in line with balance-sheet growth. State securities increased to Sh23.4 billion.

The Company’s service delivery was recognised during the year through multiple awards.

It was named Life Insurer of the Year at the Think Business Insurance Awards and also won awards for Most Customer-centric Underwriter, Claims Settlement, and Ecosystem Partnerships and Cross-Industry Collaboration.