What Professions Are Required to Have Professional Indemnity Insurance in Kenya? 

Professional mistakes are not always intentional—but in Kenya, even a small error in advice, design, diagnosis, or documentation can result in costly lawsuits, license suspension, or reputational damage. That is why Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) has become a critical requirement for many professions across the country.

Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, engineer, accountant, consultant, or service provider offering professional advice, understanding who is legally or regulatorily required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance in Kenya is essential.

What Is Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional Indemnity Insurance is a type of cover that protects professionals and firms against claims arising from errors, omissions, negligence, or breach of professional duty in the course of providing services or advice.

In simple terms, it protects you when:

• A client claims your advice caused them financial loss
• A professional mistake leads to legal action
• You are accused of negligence, misrepresentation, or failure to meet professional standards

What Professional Indemnity Insurance Covers

Typically, a Professional Indemnity policy in Kenya covers:

• Professional negligence
• Errors and omissions
• Misstatements or misleading advice
• Breach of professional duty
• Legal defense costs
• Compensation or settlements awarded by courts

What It Does Not Cover

Professional Indemnity Insurance does not cover:

• Fraud or criminal acts
• Intentional wrongdoing
• Bodily injury or property damage (this is covered under Public Liability Insurance)
• Employee-related claims

Is Professional Indemnity Insurance Mandatory in Kenya?

Yes—but not for everyone.

In Kenya, Professional Indemnity Insurance can be:

• Legally or regulatorily mandatory
• Required by professional bodies
• Contractually required by clients
• Strongly recommended due to risk exposure

For many regulated professions, Professional Indemnity Insurance is a condition for licensing, registration, or annual renewal. Operating without it can result in:

• Loss of professional license
• Disqualification from projects or tenders
• Personal liability for lawsuits
• Severe financial losses

Professions Required to Have Professional Indemnity Insurance in Kenya

Below are the key professions where Professional Indemnity Insurance is mandatory or strongly enforced by regulators and professional bodies.

1. Medical and Healthcare Professionals

Medical professionals face some of the highest litigation risks in Kenya due to the sensitive nature of healthcare services.

Professions Covered

• Medical doctors
• Dentists
• Surgeons
• Medical specialists
• Private clinics and hospitals

Why It Is Required

• Medical malpractice claims
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical or treatment errors
• Patient injury or death claims

Regulatory Authority

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)

Medical practitioners are typically required to maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance as part of their annual licensing and practice approval. For a detailed guide, see our article on Professional Indemnity Insurance for Doctors in Kenya.

2. Legal Professionals (Advocates & Law Firms)

Legal professionals are entrusted with sensitive legal matters, deadlines, and documentation. Even a minor oversight can have serious consequences for a client.

Professions Covered

• Advocates
• Law firms
• Legal consultants

Why It Is Required

• Legal negligence
• Missed court deadlines
• Incorrect legal advice
• Improper handling of client matters

Regulatory Authority

Law Society of Kenya (LSK)

Professional Indemnity Insurance is a mandatory requirement for advocates practicing in Kenya.

3. Engineers

Engineering errors can lead to massive financial losses, safety risks, and legal disputes—especially in construction and infrastructure projects.

Professions Covered

• Civil engineers
• Structural engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers

Why It Is Required

• Design faults
• Structural failures
• Project delays
• Cost overruns due to professional errors

Regulatory Authority

Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)

Engineers must maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance as part of professional registration and practice. Learn more in our guide to Professional Indemnity Insurance for Consulting Engineers.

4. Architects and Quantity Surveyors

Architects and quantity surveyors play a critical role in design, planning, and cost management. Errors in drawings or estimates can lead to costly disputes.

Professions Covered

• Architects
• Quantity surveyors
• Design consultants

Why It Is Required

• Design errors
• Cost estimation inaccuracies
• Contract administration mistakes

Regulatory Authority

Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS)

Professional Indemnity Insurance is a mandatory requirement for registration and renewal.

5. Accountants, Auditors, and Tax Consultants

Financial professionals handle sensitive financial data and provide advice that directly affects compliance and profitability.

Professions Covered

• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
• Audit firms
• Tax consultants

Why It Is Required

• Financial misstatements
• Incorrect tax advice
• Audit negligence
• Regulatory penalties caused by errors

Regulatory Authority

Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)

Professional Indemnity Insurance is required to protect both the professional and their clients. For more information, see our detailed guide on Professional Indemnity Insurance for Accountants in Kenya.

6. Insurance Brokers and Insurance Agents

Insurance professionals are responsible for advising clients on policy selection, coverage, and risk management.

Professions Covered

• Insurance brokers
• Corporate insurance agents

Why It Is Required

• Incorrect policy recommendations
• Failure to disclose policy exclusions
• Client financial losses

Regulatory Authority

Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)

Professional Indemnity Insurance is a licensing requirement for brokers and agents in Kenya.

7. Financial and Investment Professionals

Poor investment advice can result in substantial financial losses and lawsuits.

Professions Covered

• Investment advisors
• Fund managers
• Financial planners

Why It Is Required

• Poor or misleading investment advice
• Client financial losses
• Breach of fiduciary duty

Regulatory Authority

Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

Professional Indemnity Insurance is typically required as part of regulatory compliance.

Summary Table: Professions That Require Professional Indemnity Insurance in Kenya

Further Reading on Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professions Where Professional Indemnity Insurance Is Strongly Recommended

Even where it is not mandatory, Professional Indemnity Insurance is highly recommended for:

• Freelancers
• SMEs offering professional services
• NGOs and development consultants
• Project managers
• Software developers

Any business or individual offering professional advice or services carries professional risk.

What Happens If You Operate Without Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Operating without Professional Indemnity Insurance can lead to:

• Personal financial liability
• Legal defense costs paid out of pocket
• Loss of professional license
• Contract termination
• Reputational damage

For regulated professions, lack of cover can result in license suspension or deregistration.

How Much Professional Indemnity Insurance Do Kenyan Professionals Need?

Coverage limits depend on:

• Profession and regulatory requirements
• Annual turnover
• Nature of services offered
• Risk exposure
• Client or contract requirements

Professionals should always confirm minimum required limits set by their regulatory bodies.

How to Get Professional Indemnity Insurance in Kenya

The process typically involves:

• Assessing your professional risk
• Determining required coverage limits
• Providing professional and business details
• Policy underwriting and issuance

Working with a licensed insurance broker ensures compliance and proper coverage. For a complete guide, see our Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Why Choose Step by Step Insurance?

Step by Step Insurance helps Kenyan professionals:

• Understand regulatory requirements
• Get profession-specific Professional Indemnity cover
• Access expert advisory support
• Receive claims assistance when it matters most

Final Thoughts

If your profession involves advice, expertise, design, diagnosis, or decision-making, Professional Indemnity Insurance is not optional—it is essential.

Understanding your professional obligations protects:

• Your career
• Your business
• Your reputation
• Your financial future

If you’re unsure whether your profession requires Professional Indemnity Insurance, it’s always safer to confirm and get covered.