In a move aimed at easing the growing financial strain associated with funerals, Britam Connect, the micro-insurance arm of Britam Holdings, has partnered with Montezuma Funeral Home to introduce the Heshima Farewell Plan, a last-expense policy designed to support Kenyan families during times of loss.
The launch comes against the backdrop of steadily rising funeral costs across the country. In major urban cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, funerals can now cost upwards of KShs 300,000. Even in rural areas, families are increasingly grappling with higher expenses driven by transportation, mortuary fees, coffins, ceremonies, and catering for mourners.
The partnership with Montezuma Funeral Home moves the offering beyond a traditional cash payout into a fully managed funeral service solution. Bereaved families are supported with end-to-end funeral arrangements that – depending on the package – can include mortuary service payments, a hearse and transportation to any destination countrywide, a casket, wreaths and casket flowers, portrait preparation, obituary support, funeral programs, a chapel service and a Limousine hearse.
Approved by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), the Heshima Farewell Plan provides financial support for burial and related expenses arising from both natural and accidental death. The goal is to ensure families can accord their loved ones a dignified send-off without the added pressure of financial hardship.
Speaking at the launch, Britam Connect CEO and Principal Officer, Evah Kimani, said: “The burden of funeral expenses continues to challenge many families in Kenya. With the Heshima Farewell Plan, we aim to ease this burden and encourage people to plan for the unexpected, so families can focus on grieving without financial stress.”
Recent findings by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) show that the average funeral budget for a middle-class Kenyan family range between KShs 50,000 and KShs 300,000, underscoring the urgent need for affordable solutions.
The Heshima Farewell Plan offers flexible coverage options tailored to different income levels. The Basic Cover provides KShs 100,000 at an annual premium of KShs 1,000, while the Standard Cover offers KShs 150,000 for KShs 1,400 per year. For those seeking higher protection, the Executive Cover provides KShs 300,000 at an annual premium of KShs 1,700, and the Premium Cover offers KShs 500,000 for KShs 1,850 annually.
“We see firsthand the emotional and financial strain families go through when they lose a loved one. This partnership with Britam Connect allows us to support families more holistically, ensuring they can give their loved ones a respectful send-off without the added burden of unexpected costs,” noted Montezuma Funeral Home Operations Manager Josh Karuga.
The policy is accessible to a wide range of family members. Applicants and their spouses aged between 18 and 70 years are eligible, with renewable coverage up to age 80. Children from one month to 18 years and students up to 25 years with proof of enrolment can also be included. Additionally, parents and parents-in-law can join up to age 80, with coverage extending to age 85. Waiting periods range from one to six months, depending on the cause of death.
Despite the clear need, funeral insurance uptake in Kenya remains relatively low, with many families still relying on welfare groups, community contributions, or loans to meet funeral costs. Britam Connect hopes the new plan will not only provide immediate financial relief but also drive greater awareness and adoption of funeral insurance nationwide.
The launch also marks Britam Connect’s continued expansion in the funeral insurance space, following an earlier partnership with Francis Funeral Home in Busia, which focused on serving communities in Western Kenya.
With the Heshima Farewell Plan, Britam Connect is positioning itself at the forefront of inclusive insurance solutions, offering Kenyan families both financial security and peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.
