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Jihan Abbas: Revolutionising the insurance sector

Published

4 years ago

on

Jihan Abbas, 26, is the founder and CEO of Griffin Insurance, the first digital car insurance company in Kenya. She speaks with MONICA MBOGO on changing the game in the insurance sector.

Brought up in Mombasa, Jihan Abbas attributes her entrepreneurial spirit to her father an entrepreneur himself dealing in various trades. And although things were pretty slow and easy going in the coastal region, her father was grooming her to take on the world from as early as she can remember. Her indomitable will to make a difference is proof of that.

“I used to accompany my dad to work since I was eight and from an early age, I learnt the importance of building something of your own,” Jihan starts off.

Like many people, growing up, she did not know exactly how her career path would pan out and at some point, thought that she would be a lawyer. However, the one thing she firmly believed in was entrepreneurship and the associated risks with the hope of acquiring substantial results.

Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in finance from Cass Business School in London, she worked on the trading floor in the UK as a commodity futures trader for a year before she decided to take the risk and start her own business in 2017. Having learnt to be a risk taker on the trading floor, she was ready for the possibility of either a loss or a win. The experience had also taught her how to manage people, persevere tough times and manage stress. These lessons came in handy as she set up Lami, an insurance service platform that seeks to digitise the entire insurance process.

As a young female entrepreneur, she knew she would face so many stereotypes that would somewhat put a damper on her willpower. This motivated her to undertake a Master’s degree in business administration at the University of Oxford, which she says has validated her stance as a formidable female entrepreneur.

 

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Penetrating the insurance space

With her background in finance, she decided to integrate both the business and technology aspects of insurance after the realisation that most Kenyans did not have an insurance cover. Her desire to make a difference was her guiding light.

“Africa has only three per cent insurance penetration with citizens only relying on one source of income. In most cases, these people and businesses are not protected and if anything goes unplanned, everything collapses. Financial inclusivity is important but financial stability supersedes it and insurance is the glue that holds it together. That was my motivation to set up an insurance company,” says the businesswoman.

With Lami’s technology in place, she then set up Griffin Insurance, which through the Griffin Motor App, is redefining car insurance as the first smart car insurance in Kenya. The application, which was launched officially for download in January, uses ultra-modern technologies, providing a faster and more efficient way of getting car insurance with no paperwork required.

Among its major feats, despite their less than two years of operation, is cutting down the previous 30-day claim period to just a week. Jihan adds that there is a plan to cut back on the aforementioned time to only a few hours.

As the CEO of Griffin, Jihan is focussed on ensuring that the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) understands the potential gain that the company can bring to the insurance sector not only in Kenya but also in Africa. She voices her concerns on the alarming 52 insurance companies in Kenya with only 2.8 per cent market penetration and the lack of digital infrastructure. According to her, this will allow more people to create digital insurance products that transcend outdated trends and lifestyles. She hopes that regulation in insurance is revamped for the betterment of the entire insurance industry.

“Our main goal is ensuring that customer experience is prioritised. The company has ameliorated some of the services such that clients can pause their insurance coverage if they are travelling and pay in installments for car policies. There is also an emergency bundle just for our customers in case of an accident or even punctures,” she explains.

For Griffin, the goal was to cast aside any traditional means of selling insurance by digitising the entire process. Based on the reception by insurance underwriters and the general public, it is well on its way to overhaul the insurance sector. Now that the whole process is electronic, through Griffin, she is hoping to facilitate underwriters to access web, apps and other new points of sale that were never accessed before.

“You can use your online banks but you cannot buy insurance there, we hope to change this. There are underwriters who are afraid of working with us but most of them see our value. We personally do not underwrite; we are just facilitators. All in all, no one can fight technology and that is good for us,” she expounds.

Changing the status quo

It has definitely not been an easy route since she quit a well-paying job in London and decided to come back home. Initially, actualising the idea took a while, as she had to recruit a concrete team to build the technology that Griffin is founded on.

To start with, funding was definitely a big challenge for her as she reveals that being a woman in this particular industry has been knotty. She attests that raising funds for the longest time has been left to expatriates who have a 50 per cent more likelihood of acquiring capital from investors.

“With this you now understand why there are not as many women or even black people in entrepreneurship and more so startups in Kenya, as opposed to other countries like Nigeria where startups are mostly dominated by locals. This narrative needs to change and there needs to be justification of funds given especially to locals who in most cases have the most practical inventions,” she reveals

At the end of the day, however, she insists on clutching any opportunity that arises and making the most of it. For her, remaining resolute in her path has helped her validate and actualise her idea to fruition. This has also earned her the title of ‘revolutionary entrepreneur’, although she modestly brushes it off. Leading a team of 13, she is nonetheless proud of what they have achieved in a short time and for her, this is a dream come true.

“I learn every single day and having a team of people to manage really pushes you as a leader. It is important for me to get feedback from my dad and friends in similar positions. For me, being a leader is being a team player. It is crucial for each one of us to voice our ideas and opinions and for that I value our brainstorming sessions. Leadership to me is a balance between leading a group of individuals whilst working side by side with them,” she says.

 

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What differentiates this insurance company from all the others is that her team does not work on giving superficial services. Their aim is to ensure that they continuously add value throughout their consumer’s car experience. They are also keen on cyber security measures, ensuring that their systems are updated regularly to ensure that data protection is top-grade.

“With the new data protection laws, no one is allowed to sell data. It is important for people to trust you as an insurance company. We do our extreme best to see to it that each one of these laws are adhered to for the protection of our clientele,” she says.

As a young pioneer in the digital insurance space, she hopes that young developers will be motivated to use their technology and innovate around the insurance industry. To that effect, they have made their technology available to anyone willing to create digital insurance products. Her main target is to make sure that the three per cent barrier is conquered. Fortunately, she attests that although many people were not keen on digitised insurance, they were excited and shocked at how easy the whole process is.

Having seen the potential that technology presents, she urges more women and locals to get into the digital insurance space for the betterment of the entire platform. And with the increased uptake of fintech services, her and her team are keeping to their promise of being innovators, with plans to set up a similar medical product in Kenya and beyond.

She also has some words of wisdom for entrepreneurs: “Entrepreneurship is not easy. Try to validate your ideas with the least resources before taking the big leap. Once you decide that it is viable, take the risk and be relentless in your objectives.”

This article was first published in the March issue of Parents Magazine

 

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Commentator extraordinaire, Hassan Mwana Wa Ali graces our cover with his wife and son in our June issue. He takes us through his 10-year journey in the media industry, marriage life and his heart’s desire to mentor young people.

 

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Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Feature

The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 19, 2026

By

As the crescent moon appears in the night sky, marking the end of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of people around the world transition from a period of deep reflection to one of vibrant celebration. Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant dates in the calendar, representing a harmonious blend of spiritual accomplishment and communal joy.

Why is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month-long period where observers fast from dawn until sunset. The celebration is, at its core, a way to show gratitude. After thirty days of practising self-discipline, patience, and increased charity, the festival serves as a reward for the spiritual “marathon” completed during the holy month.

It is also a time to celebrate the revelation of the Quran, which is believed to have begun during the final ten days of Ramadan. By completing the fast, individuals celebrate the strength and willpower they gained, reinforcing their commitment to their values for the year ahead.

The importance of the day

Eid ul-Fitr is far more than just a day off from work or a festive meal; it serves several critical functions:

  • It acts as a bridge between the intense devotion of the previous month and a return to daily life, carrying forward the lessons of empathy and mindfulness.

  • The day begins with a special congregational prayer. This gathering brings together people from all walks of life, emphasising equality and unity within the community.

  • A key pillar of the holiday is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid prayers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy a festive meal and join the celebration.

What does Eid al-Fitr mean?

While the literal translation is “the feast of breaking the fast,” the deeper meaning of Eid revolves around renewal.

  1. Many view the day as an opportunity to start fresh. It is a traditional time for reconciling differences, forgiving past grievances, and strengthening bonds with family and neighbours.

  2. After experiencing the hunger and thirst of a fast, the “Fitr” (breaking of the fast) takes on a profound meaning. It is a moment to appreciate the necessities of life (food, water, and health) that are often taken for granted.

  3. Beyond the religious context, it is a day defined by hospitality. Homes are opened, special sweets are shared, and children often receive gifts or Eid (money), creating a sense of wonder and belonging that lasts a lifetime. 

Common traditions around the world

While customs vary by region, a few hallmarks remain constant:

  • Wearing new or best-quality clothes to honour the occasion.

  • In many cultures, the holiday is nicknamed the “Sweet Eid” due to the variety of desserts, like sheer khurma or baklava, served to guests.

  • The universal phrase used to wish others well is “Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed Eid.”

In essence, Eid al-Fitr is a beautiful reminder that discipline leads to joy, and that the greatest celebrations are those shared with others.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Continue Reading

Feature

Living with Parents vs Moving Out Featuring Hoch Muhoro

Published

2 months ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

Modern times have pushed the narrative of moving out at 20 or 21, and it has largely been embraced. While the parents’ home is seen as a free place you pay for with your mental health, it is a strategic base for many and a point of debate for others.

Let’s explore both sides of this dilemma, using the case of Kenyan creator Hoch Muhoro to anchor the conversation.

Is moving out a strategic sanctuary or stunted growth?

For decades, the metric of success for a young African adult was defined by finishing school, getting a job, and getting your own roof. To stay a day longer was to invite whispers of a failure narrative. However, as the cost of living in cities like Nairobi skyrockets and the digital economy changes how we work, the rules of independence are being rewritten.

Hoch Muhoro redefining narratives

The conversation recently reached a fever pitch following the story of Hoch Muhoro, a  Kenyan digital creator who lives with his mother. To traditionalists, his situation is an anomaly, perhaps even a failure. But to a growing number of digital nomads and strategic savers, Hoch represents a bold counter-narrative.

Hoch argues that his choice isn’t about an inability to provide but about companionship, care, and the rejection of societal timelines that don’t serve the individual. His relationship with his mother, documented with transparency, highlights a shift from dependence to intentional cohabitation.

The argument for moving out

Proponents of moving out early argue that the cold world is the only place where true character is built. There is a unique psychological drive that comes from knowing your next meal depends entirely on your hustle. This survival mode often sparks the creativity and resilience needed to excel in competitive industries.

Living alone offers the freedom to fail, to host, and to explore one’s identity without the background noise of parental expectations or curfews. In many circles, including the dating market, living at home carries a stigma of immaturity that can be hard to shake, regardless of your bank balance.

The argument for staying home

On the flip side, the Hoch Muhoro approach offers benefits that the struggle-to-pay-rent lifestyle cannot match. By eliminating rent, individuals can funnel that capital into investments, equipment for digital creation, or emergency funds.

The isolation of life alone can be brutal. Multigenerational living provides a support system that wards off the loneliness often associated with early adulthood. Living at home also allows adult children to support ageing parents, creating a symbiotic relationship rather than a parasitic one.

Context is necessary

Is it better to move out? The answer is not a yes or no, but a when and why. If staying at home makes you lazy, complacent, and fearful, it is a cage. But if, like Hoch Muhoro, it provides the peace of mind to create and the opportunity to cherish family bonds, then it is a strategic advantage.

Independence isn’t just about having your name on a lease; it’s about the ability to make decisions that best serve your future self. Maybe the most adult thing you can do is ignore the neighbours and stay where you are supported.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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