There are alot of insurance firms out there which are better than CIC...those are the goldmines but in Kenya i will never invest in a private company unless its mine too much risky.

I am not so sure of any other gem than CIC...There are others like Real, Investeq, Inoorero University, Transcentury. I once contemplated buying into Trans, lakini nikang'ethia.

The irrational exuberance of making money from private placements and angel funds should always be tempered by rational logic and research.

The question should be how do you get to hear, participate and take advantage of private placements.
My first port of call is always investment banking outfits. They are the go between the companies that are trying to raise money and the investors with money to invest.
Good luck and happy hunting!

Private Companies are not in the Market so its much harder to get research info... plus they have less stringent Financial Reporting requirements... much easier for accountants to get creative... especially if they have a good reason, like a placement... chunga sana!

Still, the downside is limited by my investment, the upside is unlimited... if it feels good after homework, I say its worth the risk.

Aint sure about wananchi but as for Family bank the last time i checked was going for 24 and thought its expensive given its unlisted.The supply was also very high but that was then.How is it doing lately?