February 2026

After a fire loss, many policyholders in Kenya assume that filing an insurance claim is enough. Unfortunately, this is where most claims begin to fail.

In reality, insurance claims after fires are decided largely by fire investigation findings, not sympathy, estimates, or photographs alone.

Understanding how insurers assess fire losses—and what forensic investigators look for—can make the difference between full settlement, partial payout, or outright rejection.

Why Fire Investigations Are Central to Insurance Claims in Kenya

Insurance companies in Kenya are legally and contractually obligated to pay only for insured risks.

This means insurers must confirm:

• The actual cause of the fire
• Whether the cause is covered or excluded
• Whether there was negligence, fraud, or arson
• Whether policy conditions were breached

A fire investigation provides the technical evidence that answers these questions.

When Do Insurers Order a Fire Investigation?

Insurers typically appoint independent fire investigators when:

• The claim value is significant
• Cause of fire is unclear or disputed
• Electrical fault is alleged
• Arson is suspected
• Multiple claims arise from the same premises
• There is prior claims history or policy red flags

In commercial, industrial, and high-value residential fires, investigations are almost guaranteed.

What Insurers Expect From a Fire Investigation

Insurance-driven fire investigations focus on facts, not assumptions.

1️⃣ Clear Cause and Origin Determination

Investigators must identify:

• Where the fire started
• What ignited it
• How it spread

Vague conclusions such as “likely electrical” are increasingly rejected by insurers.

2️⃣ Exclusion Analysis

Most Kenyan fire insurance policies exclude losses caused by:

• Poor maintenance
• Illegal electrical connections
• Deliberate acts (arson)
• Gross negligence
• Non-compliance with safety standards

Fire investigators assess whether the fire:

• Falls within insured perils
• Triggers policy exclusions

This analysis directly influences claim approval.

3️⃣ Electrical System Assessment

Electrical fires are the most commonly alleged cause in Kenya—but also the most misunderstood.

Investigators examine:

• Distribution boards
• Circuit breakers
• Wiring quality
• Signs of arcing vs fire-induced melting
• Evidence of overload or tampering

Insurers rely heavily on this analysis because false electrical claims are common.

4️⃣ Evidence of Arson or Fraud Indicators

Insurance-related arson is a sensitive but real issue.

Red flags include:

• Multiple ignition points
• Use of accelerants
• Fire starting during unoccupied hours
• Recent policy upgrades
• Financial distress indicators

Investigators document facts objectively—without speculation.

5️⃣ Compliance With Policy Conditions

Investigators assess whether:

• Fire extinguishers were present and functional
• Alarm systems were operational
• Electrical inspections were done
• Hazardous materials were stored correctly

Non-compliance can invalidate claims, even when the fire itself is accidental.

Common Reasons Fire Insurance Claims Fail in Kenya

Based on forensic findings, claims often fail due to:

• Inconclusive cause determination
• Fire caused by excluded risks
• Evidence of negligence
• Undisclosed material facts
• Scene interference before investigation
• Poor documentation

Many of these failures are avoidable with early forensic involvement.

Independent vs Insurer-Appointed Fire Investigators

Policyholders are allowed to engage independent fire investigators to:

• Review insurer findings
• Challenge weak or speculative conclusions
• Support disputed claims
• Provide court-ready expert opinions

Independent investigations often level the playing field in high-value disputes.

Can a Fire Investigation Support a Disputed Claim?

Yes—if conducted properly.

A strong forensic report can:

• Support claim negotiations
• Influence reassessment by insurers
• Form the basis of legal action
• Be admitted as expert evidence in court

However, the investigation must meet professional and scientific standards.

What Makes a Fire Investigation Insurance-Ready?

Insurers give weight to reports that include:

• Clear methodology (e.g. NFPA 921 principles)
• Photographic documentation
• Evidence-based conclusions
• Elimination of alternative causes
• Professional independence

Poorly prepared reports often collapse under scrutiny.

Fire Investigation Services for Insurance Claims in Kenya

Professional fire investigation services support:

• Policyholders
• Insurers
• Loss adjusters
• Law firms
• Corporates and property owners

The goal is not to favor either side—but to establish what actually happened.

👉 For full scope and methodology, see our main guide on Fire Investigation Services in Kenya.

Final Insight

In Kenya, fire insurance claims are forensic battles, not paperwork exercises.

Those who understand how investigations work—and engage experts early—stand a far better chance of fair outcomes.