INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT _________________________________________ Exhibit 24.2 We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-31155 and No. 33-71952 on Forms S-8 of AmVestors Financial Corporation of our report dated February 29, 1996, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of AmVestors Financial Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1995. Kansas City, Missouri March 14, 1996 76