IRA Brings Bima Mashinani Initiative to Kisii to Boost Insurance Awareness

By KPC Reporter
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has launched a four-day grassroots insurance education campaign in Kisii County, known as Bima Mashinani.
The forum, concluding on Thursday at the Agricultural Training Centre, has drawn over 320 participants including journalists, teachers, traders, farmers, matatu and boda boda operators, co-operative societies, women and youth groups, and Persons with Disabilities.
Opening the forum, IRA Deputy Director for Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Joanne Wanjala, highlighted the regulator’s dedication to fostering public confidence in insurance through awareness and transparent communication.
“The Authority has implemented a strategic multi-stakeholder approach to insurance awareness via these targeted forums. As regulators, we are committed to advancing this industry’s growth through such initiatives,” she stated.
The Kisii initiative commenced with a media sensitization session, acknowledging journalists’ influence on public perception.
Journalists from various media outlets received training on consumer rights, complaint handling, and claims processing, with conversations emphasizing the importance of clear and contextualized reporting to enhance public comprehension of insurance.
Boda boda operators participated in sessions addressing road safety, insurance adoption, and income protection, with 100 riders attending.
Ms. Wanjala encouraged them to thoroughly comprehend their insurance responsibilities, noting, “Utilize this forum to enhance your understanding of insurance, including its advantages, suitable coverage options, and claim procedures. We also encourage you to share this knowledge with peers in your industry.”
Other groups examined insurance solutions pertinent to agriculture, small business operations, and community-based organizations.
The engagements underscored the importance of continuous interaction in dispelling misconceptions and reinforcing trust in insurance services.
The initiative coincides with substantial growth in Kenya’s insurance sector.
The industry achieved gross written premiums of Ksh 464.72 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 17.6 percent rise from the previous year.
Long-term insurance accounted for 50.7 percent of total industry premiums, while general insurance expanded, with medical and motor categories maintaining dominance.
Microinsurance also experienced significant growth, generating Ksh 2.17 billion in premiums, highlighting its role in supporting low-income households, SMEs, and the informal sector.
In her address, Ms. Wanjala reminded attendees that insurance has transitioned from optional to essential.
“Our objective is to stimulate thinking and assist people in recognizing that insurance is no longer a choice; it is a necessity providing protection, care, and peace of mind during challenging times,” she said.
The Kisii forum follows similar Bima Mashinani activities in Kakamega, Laikipia, and Trans Nzoia counties, representing further progress in IRA’s mission to establish insurance as a practical and accessible means of financial protection and economic resilience for Kenyans.