Nairobi — APA Insurance and Hollard Insurance have merged operations after the two joined hands last month.

While APA Insurance is a Kenyan underwriter, Hollard International is a Pan-African insurer.

The two insurers say they will focus on product enhancement and diversification by launching new insurance products in core lines such as health and specialist lines such as engineering, marine, and renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro solutions), leveraging Hollard's expertise in these areas.

In addition, they will focus on risky products that can be sold through mobile network operators, given East Africa's impressive mobile money penetration.

On July 2, APA Insurance joined hands with Hollard Health, a South African insurer, to unveil an international medical cover targeting individuals, families, SMEs, and corporations.

The plan covers Africa, India, Europe, and other worldwide jurisdictions with five comprehensive plans.

Apollo Investment Company, a parent company of APA Insurance, entered into an agreement with Hollard International last year, which bought a 20 percent stake.

"Hollard's investment in Apollo Investments Limited, APA's parent company, provides us with access to a broader market and further expertise in insurance such as health, motor, engineering, renewable energy and marine," Ashok Shah, Group CEO of Apollo Investments Limited, said.

"This collaboration not only strengthens our position in Kenya but also enhances our current operations in Uganda and Tanzania, positioning us favourably for future opportunities in the rest of Africa. Both the clients of APA and Hollard now have a network of ten African countries."

APA Insurance operates in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Hollard operates in seven additional African countries, resulting in a combined network spanning ten countries.