{
  "id": 12130729,
  "title": "Britam: Why it is the right time to take insurance ahead of El Niño",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/britam-why-it-is-the-right-time-to-take-insurance-ahead-of-el-nino",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-05T10:47:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/britam-why-it-is-the-right-time-to-take-insurance-ahead-of-el-nino/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya, October 5 – Kenyan households and businesses have been urged to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of flooding ahead of the October-December rainfall season, as insurers warn that preparedness can significantly reduce damage from extreme weather events. Britam General Insurance CEO James Mbithi emphasized that individuals and businesses should not wait for heavy rains to begin before assessing risks around their homes, premises, and vehicles. He highlighted that flooding has become an increasingly persistent issue in Kenya due to heavier rainfall associated with climate change and inadequate drainage systems. \"Flooding is becoming a big issue in Kenya,\" Mbithi stated, noting that drainage systems are being tested by the volume of water during heavy rainfalls. He emphasized that the first line of defense should be early preparation rather than relying on insurance to compensate for losses after a disaster. For households, Mbithi recommended inspecting and clearing gutters and drainage channels, repairing leaking roofs, and identifying potential entry points for floodwater. Residents in flood-prone areas should assess the roads and drainage systems around their homes and ensure water can flow away from buildings. Preventive measures such as clearing drainages, clearing gutters, and ensuring buildings can withstand higher rainfall levels can minimize damage during heavy rainfall. Businesses are advised to identify vulnerable areas within their premises, protect stock, equipment, and assets from floodwater by elevating goods, inspecting drainage, and clearing gutters. They should also strengthen continuity plans and back up critical data to ensure quick resumption of operations if flooding disrupts their premises. Motorists are urged to check weather forecasts before starting journeys, avoid crossing flooded roads, and prioritize safety if they encounter rising water. Mbithi advised drivers to keep emergency contacts readily available. He stressed that insurance should complement preparedness, and households and businesses with existing insurance policies should review their coverage to ensure it remains sufficient, particularly for businesses that have expanded or increased their assets. Britam's home, motor, and business insurance products provide coverage against flood-related losses, subject to policy terms and conditions. The insurer paid over Sh290 million in flood-related claims in 2024, highlighting the financial impact of extreme rainfall. Safety should be prioritized before making an insurance claim; those caught in floods should move to safety and seek assistance before contacting the insurer to provide documentation and evidence of the loss. While acknowledging increased public awareness and government preparedness campaigns, Mbithi emphasized that it would be difficult to eliminate flood risk entirely. The objective should be to reduce exposure before the rains arrive and ensure that remaining risks are financially protected. He concluded by urging households and businesses to inspect, repair, clear, move, and insure before the rains begin, stating, \"The El Niño and the risk of flooding might be very unpredictable, but your protection as a customer should not be.\"",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5 – Kenyan households and businesses have been urged to take immediate steps to reduce their exposure to flooding ahead of the October-December rainfall season, with insurers…",
  "key_points": [
    "Kenyan households urged to prepare for October-December flooding",
    "Britam CEO James Mbithi stresses early risk assessment",
    "Insurance complements preparedness, not sole protection"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}