Britam Holdings PLC has announced the death of its chairman, Kuria Muchiru, who passed away after a short illness.
The seasoned business leader, who chaired the firm since 2022, is being remembered for his decades-long career in corporate leadership. Tributes from government officials and colleagues describe him as a visionary leader with a lasting legacy.
In a statement released on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Britam confirmed that Muchiru passed away on the same day, bringing to an end a long and distinguished career in corporate leadership.
“The Britam Board of Directors and Management of Britam Holdings PLC is saddened to announce the passing away of our Group Board Chairman, Kuria Muchiru, who passed away today, March 19, 2026, after a short illness,” the announcement read.
The company paid tribute to his leadership and extended condolences to those close to him, acknowledging the impact he had within the organisation and beyond.
“On behalf of the entire Britam family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him. May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” the statement added.
Muchiru had served as chairman of Britam Holdings since 2022, where he provided strategic oversight and governance leadership to one of Kenya’s leading financial services firms.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from senior government officials, colleagues and friends, many describing him as a respected and visionary leader.
Among those who paid tribute was Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, who described him as a visionary figure whose legacy would endure.
As tributes continued, former Kenyan ambassador to Germany Tom Amolo remembered Muchiru as both a colleague and a longtime friend.
Recalling personal moments, Amolo spoke of hosting him and his family in Berlin in August 2022 during a family wedding, describing him as a true neighbour from the neighborhood.
Muchiru’s career spanned several decades, marked by leadership roles across multiple sectors. In addition to his position at Britam, he served as Non-Executive Chairman of Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) since 2019 and was also the Executive Chairman of Kuria Capital.
Before transitioning into board leadership, he spent 35 years at PwC, where he rose to become an Advisory Partner before retiring in 2018.
His extensive experience in advisory and governance roles made him a prominent figure in Kenya’s corporate landscape, with many recognising his contributions to business leadership and institutional development.
Muchiru also had a strong academic and professional background. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi, where he studied between 1979 and 1982.
He later qualified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) through the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya in 1990, further strengthening his expertise in finance and governance.
In addition, he became a Certified Human Resource Practitioner in 2017, obtaining the certification from the Institute of Human Resource Management Kenya.
Those who worked with him say his leadership style combined technical expertise with a strong commitment to mentorship and organisational growth.
His passing comes as a significant loss to Kenya’s business community, particularly within the financial services sector, where he played a key role in shaping governance standards and strategic direction.
Britam said further details regarding funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
As the tributes continue, Muchiru is being remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal connections and lasting influence on colleagues, friends and family.