Quick answer
Britam Imarika Plus Insurance Savings Plan is a lump sum, investment-linked plan with a KSh 200,000 minimum deposit, projected returns of 8 to 12% a year, a guaranteed minimum net return of 5% at maturity, a 0.25% monthly management fee and free withdrawals from month 25.
Updated 19 October 2026
Britam’s Imarika plan is a lump sum investment plan that advertises returns of 8 to 12% a year, with a guaranteed minimum of 5% a year if you hold it to maturity. Britam now sells it as the Imarika Plus Insurance Savings Plan, and the current version needs a minimum deposit of KSh 200,000. This guide explains how the plan works, what it costs, when you can withdraw, and how it compares with simpler options such as money market funds.
In this guide
What the Imarika Plan Is
Imarika is an investment-linked insurance plan from Britam, the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed financial services group. It is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. You deposit a lump sum, Britam invests it, and your fund grows according to the performance of the assets it is invested in. Because it is an insurance product, it also carries a funeral expense benefit for your family.
The older Imarika Investment Plan (Lumpsum) brochure listed a minimum deposit of KSh 50,000, an entry age of 18 to 75, and free life cover of KSh 50,000. Britam’s July 2026 brochure for Imarika Plus sets different terms, which are the ones that apply to new customers and are described below.
Key Features of Imarika Plus
| Feature | What Britam says |
|---|---|
| Minimum first deposit | KSh 200,000 |
| Top-ups | Optional, minimum KSh 100,000 each, at any time |
| Projected returns | 8 to 12% a year, depending on fund performance |
| Guaranteed return | Minimum net 5% a year at maturity |
| Minimum and maximum term | 5 years minimum, 15 years maximum |
| Free withdrawals | From month 25 onwards |
| Management fee | 0.25% a month on the fund value |
| Funeral cover | KSh 100,000 if the fund stays above KSh 200,000 |
| Entry age | 18 to 85 years |
How the 8 to 12% Returns Work
The 8 to 12% figure is a projection, not a promise. Britam says returns are determined by the performance of the assets in which your deposits are invested. What it does guarantee is a minimum net return of 5% a year, and that guarantee applies at maturity. If you leave early, you get the fund value at that time, less any exit charge.
To show what the range means in shillings, here is what KSh 200,000 would grow to if it compounded at a steady rate each year. This is an illustration only, since real returns change from year to year and Britam does not publish a fixed rate.
| Annual rate | After 5 years | After 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| 5% (guaranteed minimum) | KSh 255,256 | KSh 325,779 |
| 8% | KSh 293,866 | KSh 431,785 |
| 10% | KSh 322,102 | KSh 518,748 |
| 12% | KSh 352,468 | KSh 621,170 |
Ask your Britam adviser whether the rate declared on your statement is before or after the management fee, so you compare like with like.
What It Costs
Management fee. Britam charges 0.25% a month on the value of your fund. That adds up to about 3% a year. On a fund of KSh 200,000, it is roughly KSh 500 a month. Britam’s FAQ says the fee is charged on the total fund it manages, not only on interest, and that each charge appears on your monthly statement.
Early exit charges. Withdrawals in the first two years cost extra:
- Months 1 to 12: 5% of the amount withdrawn.
- Months 13 to 24: 3% of the amount withdrawn.
- Month 25 onwards: free.
So if you withdraw KSh 100,000 in month 10, you would pay KSh 5,000 in exit charges. Only put in money you will not need for at least two years.
Tax Relief on Long Plans
If you choose a term of 10 years or more, Britam says you can claim tax relief of 15% of your contributions, up to KSh 60,000 a year. This is insurance relief, which reduces the PAYE tax you pay. To claim it, you need a KRA PIN and you should ask Britam for the documents your employer or KRA needs. If you do not yet have a PIN, see our guide on how to get a KRA PIN.
The Funeral Expense Cover
Imarika Plus includes free funeral expense cover of KSh 100,000, as long as your fund value stays above KSh 200,000. Britam says the benefit is paid to your beneficiary within 48 hours of a claim to help with funeral costs. This is why the plan is open to individuals only. Companies cannot invest in it.
Who Can Join and What You Need
- A valid national ID, Kenyan passport or alien ID.
- A KRA PIN.
- An age of 18 to 85 at sign-up. The maximum age on cover is 90, so an 85-year-old can only invest for 5 years.
- The minimum deposit of KSh 200,000.
- A Declaration of Source of Funds form if you deposit KSh 2 million or more.
How to Sign Up and Deposit
- Speak to a Britam financial adviser, or request a callback on Britam’s website.
- Complete the application and provide your ID and KRA PIN.
- Pay your deposit through the MyBritam customer portal, the MyBritam app, an RTGS bank transfer, or a banker’s or personal cheque made out to “Britam”.
- Wait for an SMS confirmation, after which your policy document is sent by email.
- Track your fund on the MyBritam portal or app. Britam also sends monthly statements by email.
Britam’s customer service line and WhatsApp is 0705 100 100, and its email is customerservice@britam.com. The head office is at Britam Tower, Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Imarika vs a Money Market Fund
A money market fund (MMF) is the usual comparison for Kenyan savers. MMFs let you start with small amounts, usually let you withdraw within a few days without penalties, and publish their yields daily. Imarika needs a far larger deposit, locks your money in for at least two years if you want to avoid charges, and has a five-year minimum term. In return, it offers a guaranteed minimum at maturity, the funeral cover, and tax relief on 10-year plans, which an MMF does not.
If you may need the money soon, an MMF or Treasury bills are likely a better fit. Compare the options in our guide to money market funds in Kenya, test numbers with the MMF calculator, or read how to buy Treasury bills. If you would like independent advice, check that an adviser is licensed using our list of CMA-licensed investment advisers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum deposit for Britam Imarika?
The current Imarika Plus Insurance Savings Plan needs a minimum first deposit of KSh 200,000, with optional top-ups of at least KSh 100,000.
Does Britam Imarika guarantee 12% returns?
No. Britam projects 8 to 12% a year depending on fund performance. The only guarantee is a minimum net return of 5% a year at maturity.
When can I withdraw from Imarika without charges?
From month 25. Withdrawals in months 1 to 12 cost 5% of the amount taken out, and in months 13 to 24 they cost 3%.
What are the Imarika management fees?
Britam charges 0.25% a month on your fund value, which is about 3% a year.
Can a chama or company invest in Imarika Plus?
Britam says only individuals can invest in Imarika Plus, because the plan includes a funeral expense cover for the policyholder.
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