Insurance provider Britam has unveiled a new low-cost medical insurance product aimed at Kenya’s vast informal workforce. The scheme, known as Bima ya Wafanyikazi, offers monthly premiums starting from Sh336, roughly Sh11 per day, making healthcare coverage more accessible to millions of informal sector workers.
Developed through Britam’s digital platform, Britam Connect, in partnership with Minet Kenya, the insurance plan covers a broad range of medical services including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity benefits, dental and optical services, as well as last expense cover. Policyholders can access treatment at over 600 health facilities nationwide.
The product is designed to accommodate the financial realities of informal workers, many of whom rely on out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. Those opting for higher premiums receive enhanced benefits, ensuring flexible coverage options.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the informal sector accounts for nearly 84 percent of employment in the country, with 18.1 million jobs out of 21.6 million total. Britam Connect CEO Evah Kimani emphasized that the product responds to the vulnerability of informal workers to health shocks, which can severely impact household finances.
"Bima ya Wafanyikazi offers comprehensive health benefits tailored to the needs of informal workers, including annual health check-ups," Kimani stated. The policy can be purchased directly by workers, their employers, or through organized worker groups, which is expected to improve premium collection and broaden insurance reach.
Strategic Partnership and Market Context
Minet Kenya’s Deputy Director for Commercial, Gideon Bii, highlighted the synergy between Britam’s underwriting expertise and Minet’s distribution network in delivering affordable healthcare solutions. He noted that the partnership not only enhances access to medical services but also promotes financial inclusion by shielding workers from unexpected medical expenses.
Kenya’s insurance penetration stands at about 2.4 percent, significantly lower than the global average of 7 percent and South Africa’s 11 percent. Industry players are increasingly leveraging microinsurance products and digital platforms to tap into the underserved informal sector.
