Bupa Global opens first African office in Kenya

KENYA – Bupa Global, a leading international private medical insurance (IPMI) provider, has inaugurated its first African office in Nairobi, Kenya.

This strategic move follows the approval of an insurance license by Kenya’s Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) and underscores Bupa’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility across the continent. ​

Kenya, recognized as East Africa’s largest economy, has been identified by Bupa Global as a pivotal growth market within its international expansion strategy.

The country’s consistent GDP growth and its Vision 2030 agenda, aiming for middle-income status, have created a favorable environment for healthcare investments.

Notably, Kenya’s health insurance market is projected to nearly double, growing from US$ 1.42 billion in 2022 to US$ 2.77 billion by 2030. ​

The Nairobi office will be led by Uditha Jayaratne, appointed as CEO and Principal Officer. Under his leadership, the office aims to provide tailored international health insurance solutions for individuals, expatriates, SMEs, and corporate clients.

These offerings will grant customers direct access to a global network of top-tier healthcare providers and medical specialists. ​

Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director of Bupa Global, emphasized the significance of this expansion: “Kenya is a crucial market for us and a gateway to the incredible opportunities we see across Africa.

“With a local office and continued investments in digital capabilities, we’re creating an ecosystem that makes world-class healthcare more accessible across the region.”

In alignment with its digital transformation goals, Bupa Global has committed £55 million (US$ 73.5 million) over five years to enhance its digital capabilities.

This investment aims to meet the increasing demand for essential healthcare services across Africa, offering consumers greater convenience and affordability. ​

Furthermore, Bupa Global’s presence in Nairobi supports Kenya’s recent healthcare reforms, including the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, which mandates health insurance coverage for all residents.

By establishing a local office, Bupa Global is well-positioned to contribute to the country’s goal of achieving universal health coverage. ​

Beyond insurance services, Bupa Global, through the Bupa Foundation, is co-sponsoring community initiatives such as medical camps in the Maasai Mara and the construction of boreholes to provide clean drinking water.