Birdview Microinsurance CEO
James Kimani,
National Chairman
Association of Insurance Brokers of
Kenya John Lagat
and Founder &
Director Birdview
Microinsurance
Richard Muiru converse during the AIBK
Members meeting.
/HANDOUT
The Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya (AIBK) plans to tap on the low-income earners and underserved groups to boost insurance uptake in the country.
Through a collaboration with Birdview Microinsurance, the plan will target niche markets, including informal sector workers, small businesses, and Kenyans in the diaspora, as part of efforts to deepen insurance penetration, which remains below 3 per cent in Kenya.
Underserved groups and low-income households have been the worst hit by expensive medical emergencie,s which they have to foot out of pocket.
Small businesses, on the other hand, lack insurance coverage, a combination that has seen Kenya’s insurance penetration stagnate below its African peers.
A survey by AAR Insurance Kenya indicated that over 53 per cent of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are uninsured.
The Association's Chairman, John Lagat, said the initiative is focused on expanding insurance access through customised, affordable products that reflect the realities of everyday Kenyans.
"This partnership with Birdview Microinsurance is a significant step towards expanding access to insurance in Kenya. By focusing on specific, often overlooked segments, we can ensure that more Kenyans have access to essential financial protection, fostering greater resilience within our communities," said Lagat.
Micro-insurance – low-cost, tailored insurance typically aimed at low-income populations – is increasingly being seen as a tool to bridge the country’s protection gap.
With traditional insurance often out of reach for many, experts say micro-insurance could help build resilience among vulnerable groups facing health, income, or climate-related risks.
Birdview Microinsurance CEO James Kimani said the firm is leveraging partnerships with brokers, who control a sizeable share of the insurance market, to reach untapped segments.
“Micro-insurance remains significantly underserved in Kenya. We are focusing on building meaningful relationships and products that deliver impact,” he said.
The company’s founder, Richard Muiru, added that the diaspora market is a key focus, with plans to roll out products that enable Kenyans abroad to support the healthcare needs of their families locally.
He noted that digital platforms would play a central role in ensuring convenience and reach.
AIBK Chief Executive Eliud Adiedo said that beyond expanding market reach, the partnership aligns with efforts to make the insurance sector more inclusive and relevant.
“We must innovate to close the coverage gap and make insurance work for every Kenyan,” he said.
The initiative comes at a time when industry players are under pressure to develop products that resonate with Kenya’s large informal sector, which remains largely uninsured despite being a significant driver of the economy.
