Sanlam's Jacqueline Karasha on Global and Pan-African Trends in Insurance

Kenyan Wallstreet

In this episode, Ms Salome Mboya interviews Jacqueline Karasha, Head of Corporate Business, Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd. Kenya as they discuss:

• global and Pan-African trends in insurance
• what it takes to succeed in the insurance sector

Jacqueline Karasha is a 2022 Top Woman to Watch in Banking and Finance by Angaza Awards.

When Jacqueline Karasha joined Sanlam Kenya in 2016, she was tasked with turning around the Corporate Business's performance which had been on a steady decline in terms of revenue and profitability. The 2016 Full Year revenue stood at USD 17mn and the company's market position had declined from 1st to 8th. Through effective strategic planning, Jacqueline diversified the firm's distribution channels to include Bancassurance and Digital channels, and re-engaged key intermediaries in the market.

She revamped the client service model to enhance retention and implemented a high performance culture within the team, introducing goal setting, performance management and frequent feedback sessions. As at December 2020, the revenues of the Corporate Business reached USD 35mn, up from USD 22mn in December 2019. The remarkable performance helped cushion the Sanlam Kenya business from the economic shocks that were experienced in the market due to the COVID pandemic.

Podcast Host: Ms. Salome Mboya, Youth Programs Associate, Hisa Inc

Guest: Jacqueline Karasha – Managing Director, Head of Corporate Business, Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd. Kenya

Production: Rawlins Hamisi