KSh336 Medical Cover for Domestic & Informal Workers Now Active Across Kenya, giving millions of workers access to affordable healthcare through a new insurance product known as Bima ya Wafanyikazi.
The medical cover has been launched by Britam and is being distributed by Minet Kenya. It is designed mainly for domestic workers and other people working in Kenya’s informal sector who may not have access to affordable medical insurance.
The cover starts at KSh336 per month and can be purchased by individual domestic workers, their employers, or registered worker associations. It provides access to inpatient and outpatient treatment, maternity care, dental and optical services, as well as last-expense benefits.
Members will be able to receive healthcare services through 600 Britam partner facilities across Kenya. The cover also includes annual health check-ups, helping workers seek medical attention early and maintain better health.
Kenya has nearly 2 million domestic workers, while more than 15 million people work in the informal sector. Many of these workers do not have formal employment contracts or sufficient financial protection. As a result, unexpected illnesses and medical emergencies can put significant pressure on their finances.
Britam Connect CEO and Principal Officer Evah Kimani said the new product was created to meet the everyday healthcare needs of workers who have traditionally had limited access to insurance.
Minet Kenya Deputy Director-Commercial Gideon Bii said the partnership with Britam aims to close the healthcare insurance gap among informal workers. The companies hope the product will make healthcare more affordable while protecting families from unexpected medical expenses.
The Bima ya Wafanyikazi cover also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The launch is also part of efforts by Britam and Minet to increase insurance access in Kenya. Insurance penetration in the country remains relatively low at about 2.4%, compared with more than 11.5% in South Africa.
With its affordable starting price and wide range of medical benefits, Bima ya Wafanyikazi aims to help more domestic and informal-sector workers access quality healthcare without facing major financial difficulties.