Join Kenya's Professional Body
Membership is open to practising and aspiring professionals across five specialisms. Choose your category, review the specialism that fits your practice, and apply.
Two Ways to Join
Every new member receives a Certificate of Membership, renewed each year on payment of the subscription for their category.
Directory Membership
Included in the IARS members’ directory, giving insurers, brokers and corporate partners a public record to verify your accreditation.
- Application fee: Ksh 3,000
- Annual subscription: Ksh 10,000
Non-Directory / Staff Membership
Full IARS membership and accreditation without a public directory listing — a lower-cost option for staff and members who don’t need to be listed.
- Application fee: Ksh 3,000
- Annual subscription: Ksh 3,000
Fees current as published by the Secretariat — contact us to confirm before applying.
A Clear Path from Member to Fellow
The IARS constitution sets five grades of membership. Your grade reflects your age, experience, qualifications and standing in the profession.
Ordinary Member
For qualified practitioners establishing their career in the profession.
- At least 21 years of age
- Engaged in the profession under Articles 6.1.1–6.1.7
- Minimum of three years' experience in the profession
- Certificate of Proficiency (COP) from the College of Insurance, or an equivalent or higher professional qualification
Associate
For experienced, degree-qualified professionals with a proven track record.
- At least 30 years of age
- Engaged in the profession under Articles 6.1.1–6.1.7
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised college or university, or a diploma of Associateship from a relevant professional institution
- Minimum of seven years' experience in the profession
Fellow
The Institute’s senior grade, for principals and leaders of the profession.
- At least 40 years of age, engaged under Articles 6.1.1–6.1.7
- Minimum of twelve years' experience in the profession
- An Associate for at least five years before applying, in continuous practice throughout
- A principal or Executive Officer of a firm practising the profession
- Compliant with the Council's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements
Fellowship is retained only while the member continues to meet the Council’s CPD requirements.
Stay connected after you retire
Open to former members of the Institute who have retired from gainful employment.
Recognising outstanding contribution
Conferred by the Institute, with the person’s consent, for outstanding contribution to IARS — whether or not they are otherwise eligible.
How every grade is approved
Ordinary, Associate, Fellow and Retired applications all follow the same route.
Nominated by a Chapter or Branch of the Council
Two-thirds vote at the Executive Committee
Two-thirds vote at the Council meeting
Find Your Specialism
Select a specialism below to see what it covers and who it’s for.
Loss Adjusting & Assessing
Loss adjusters and assessors carry out the independent, technical assessment of insurance claims — from initial loss investigation to valuation and settlement recommendation. IARS members are expected to be impartial, methodical and transparent throughout the claims process.
- Property, fire, business interruption and liability claims
- Loss quantification and settlement recommendation reports
- Independent representation for insurers, brokers and policyholders
Risk Surveying & Management
Risk surveyors assess physical and operational hazards before a loss occurs — helping insurers price risk accurately and helping businesses reduce their exposure through practical mitigation advice.
- Pre-inspection and renewal risk surveys for insurers
- Fire, safety and business continuity risk assessments
- Risk improvement recommendations for corporate clients
Marine Surveying
Marine surveyors inspect vessels, cargo and marine infrastructure to internationally recognised standards, supporting Kenya’s maritime, shipping and port-related insurance market.
- Hull, cargo and machinery condition surveys
- Marine cargo loss and damage assessment
- Pre-shipment and on-hire/off-hire vessel surveys
Insurance Surveying & Investigation
Insurance surveyors and investigators carry out technical surveys and forensic investigation work — including fraud detection — that protect the integrity of the wider claims process.
- Claims fraud investigation and forensic reporting
- Technical surveys supporting underwriting decisions
- Evidence gathering for disputed or complex claims
Motor Assessing
Motor assessors evaluate vehicle damage and repair costs for Kenya’s motor insurance market, delivering consistent, defensible assessments for insurers, garages and policyholders.
- Accident damage assessment and repair cost estimation
- Total-loss and salvage valuation
- Pre-insurance and condition vehicle inspections
Four steps to IARS membership
Complete the Application Form
Get the application form from the Secretariat, or download it below.
Submit to the Secretary General
Your completed form is submitted to the Secretary General for processing.
Head of Chapter Approval
Your application is reviewed and approved by the Head of your specialism's Chapter.
Certificate of Membership
Once approved, you receive your Certificate of Membership and access to CPD, events and accreditation.