Philosophy
The Board and the Management of First-Re are committed to a strong philosophy of integrity and professionalism which runs across the entire sphere of the Company. This is underpinned by the realization that we are in a globally integrated world of insurance and reinsurance security for the development and prosperity of humankind. However, the foundation for our success is based on the sensitivity we bring to bear to the needs and desires of the customers. Our focus is to ever add value while not compromising on the principles of Reinsurance and Insurance in general.
Mrs. Jacinta Karita
Chairperson
Mrs Karita is the former Group Managing Director of both Pacific and FirstRe. She has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCom) from Daystar University, a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Mrs Karita is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London (ACII) and has the rare distinction of being the first lady in Kenya to qualify as a Fellow in Reinsurance.
Mrs Karita served in IIK as the Examination Secretary and was responsible for the CII exams. She has also served as a Board Member of the Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya (AIBK).
Mr. Kabage Karanja
Deputy Chairperson
Mr Karanja is a Director of Cave Bureau, an architectural practice based in Kilimani, Nairobi. At Pacific Insurance Brokers (EA) Ltd and First Reinsurance Brokers Africa Ltd, Mr Karanja plays an advisory role in the Strategic IT & Digital space development for the Group.
He holds a BA (Hons) degree in Architecture from the University of Brighton, in the United Kingdom. He is also a Postgraduate Graduate Diploma holder in architecture with distinction from the University of Westminster, and is a Chartered Architect with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Mr. Daniel Kathitu
Managing Director
Mr. Daniel Munyao Kathitu has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years and has extensive experience and training both locally and internationally in reinsurance business treaty and facultative.
Until his appointment as Managing Director in 1st October 2020, Daniel was the Director, Business Development at FirstRe. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kathitu worked with Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Ltd where he handled Claims, Underwriting, Retakaful, Marketing and Business Development.
Daniel holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BBA) from Kenya Methodist University, Diploma in Insurance and an Advanced Diploma in Marketing. He is also an Associate of the Insurance Institute of Kenya.
He has held various leadership roles in the industry. He is the Chairman of the newly formed Association of Reinsurance Brokers of Kenya (ARBK).
Mr. Pius Wandwasi
General Manager, Underwriting & Claims
Mr. Pius Wandwasi is the General Manager, Underwriting and Claims at FirstRe. He has a wealth of experience in Insurance & Reinsurance for over 30 years. Prior to joining FirstRe he worked at Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Ltd and PTA Reinsurance (Zep Re) where he handled Claims, Underwriting, retro renewal information, Planning and Marketing
He holds a BA (Hons) in Financial Services Degree from Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh and a Diploma in Insurance from Chartered Insurance Institute London.
Pius has attended several trainings on underwriting and Reinsurance and is an expert on Reinsurance matters.
Francis Mwema
General Manager, Business Development
Mr Francis Mwema has a wealth of experience in Life Reinsurance Business spanning over 10 years. Prior to joining FirstRe, Mr Mwema worked at Pioneer Assurance Company Ltd for 5 years. He has attended and facilitated a number of seminars locally and internationally on to Life & Pension business.
Francis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Mathematics) and Post Graduate Diploma in Actuarial Science from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and University of Nairobi respectively.
Lilian Kithome
Group Financial Controller
Ms. Lilian Kithome has over 10 years’ experience in accounting and finance in insurance and reinsurance business. She is the Group Financial Controller for Pacific Group of companies overseeing the Group’s finance, accounting and planning functions.
She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPAK), a holder of Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Master of Science in Finance Degrees from the University of Nairobi. She is a member of ICPAK.