By Monica Nashon
Efforts to deepen insurance awareness and protect members of the public from fraud have gained momentum following a four-day Bima Mashinani outreach programme held in Kisii County.
Speaking during the forum, Kisii Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Maina said the initiative is helping to educate wananchi on the importance of insurance while also addressing the rising threat of fraudsters operating in the sector.
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Maina noted that key sectors, including the transport industry, have been sensitised on the requirement for mandatory motor vehicle insurance as provided for under government regulations. He added that collaboration with stakeholders such as teachers’ unions, business groups, civil servants, and the Ministry of Interior is strengthening grassroots-level awareness.
“Today we are focusing on educating the public to be aware of scammers and ensuring that people understand the importance of having valid insurance policies,” he said.
“Through collaboration with local stakeholders, we are reaching people at the grassroots level so that they can make informed decisions.”
Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer Evans Kibagendi said insurance uptake in the country remains uneven, with a heavy concentration in urban centres.
“Nairobi accounts for about 70 percent of general insurance business and 84 percent of life insurance, while counties like Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret follow at a much lower rate,” he said.
“Most counties are still lagging behind, and that is why we are here in Kisii to ensure that we sensitise the public on the importance of insurance in protecting their lives and businesses.”
Kibagendi expressed optimism that the campaign would improve uptake in Kisii and beyond, urging stakeholders to encourage wider adoption of insurance services.
He also raised concern over the presence of unlicensed operators in the sector, warning members of the public to remain vigilant.
“There are illegal entities posing as insurance brokers and service providers. We urge members of the public to verify any insurance provider with the Authority and report suspicious activities,” he said.
Deputy Director for Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the IRA, Joan Wanjala, said the Bima Mashinani programme is designed to bridge the knowledge gap by taking insurance education directly to communities.
“We believe that knowledge is power, and that is why we are bringing insurance education closer to the people,” she said.
“In this session alone, we have engaged more than 320 participants.”
The Bima Mashinani initiative continues to focus on improving insurance literacy and closing the gap between providers and the public, particularly in rural areas, as stakeholders push to increase insurance penetration nationwide.
