New insurance plan shields Kenyan migrant workers as Labour reforms take shape

Every year, dozens of Kenyan migrant workers die or get stranded abroad with no structured way to return home.

 Families are left begging online for funds.

An insurance company has launched a new package targeting Kenyans seeking employment abroad to address this crisis.

Birdview Microinsurance Company has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and recruitment agencies to enhance protection for thousands of migrant workers who have embraced the labour migration drive championed by President William Ruto’s administration.

According to the company, the new product aims to address the growing concerns of Kenyans working abroad by providing comprehensive coverage for emergencies, travel, and medical expenses.

The new insurance comes months after the Ministry for Labour and Social Protection announced a raft of reforms aimed at improving the recruitment and deployment process for Kenyans seeking employment abroad, among them the introduction of a new registration system for employment agencies.

The initial registration certificate for new employment agencies will now be valid for one year and will cost Sh500,000.

"The renewal of registration certificates will be extended to a period of two years, a change from the current one-year renewal period. This will be priced at Sh500,000 for two years, or Sh250,000 per year with an option for one-year renewal," the ministry said.

The number of Kenyan workers who died in Saudi Arabia doubled in 2023, defying the overall trend where the number of registered deaths of Kenyans occurring abroad reduced by 10 per cent during the year.

New data shows that the number of registered deaths in Saudi Arabia grew to 29 in 2023, up from 13 in 2022.

Speaking at the official launch, Birdview Microinsurance Director Richard Muiru emphasised the need for a safety net to protect Kenyan migrants as they navigate unfamiliar territories.

“Unlike countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, Kenya lacks a legal framework for compulsory insurance for migrant workers, leaving many unprotected. Our mission is to change this by offering accessible and affordable coverage,” said Muiru.

The company’s CEO, James Irungu, explained that the package includes Last Expense Insurance, which provides a cash benefit within 48 hours of a death notification to cover funeral costs.

It also offers Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance, designed to assist Kenyans stranded or deceased abroad by covering the costs of medical evacuations and body repatriations.

“Some individuals face emergencies that require them to travel back home immediately, while others experience medical crises that leave them stranded without financial support. Without proper insurance, these individuals suffer greatly. This is the gap we aim to fill,” added Irungu.

The insurance package ensures that migrants have peace of mind while working in foreign countries by covering crucial aspects such as emergency travel, medical expenses, accidental death, and repatriation, among other unforeseen challenges.

As the government continues to streamline labour migration policies, Birdview Insurance is positioning itself as a critical player in ensuring that Kenyans working abroad have a secure and dependable support system,” noted Muiru.

KNCCI President Eric Ruto lauded the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns perfectly with the government’s labour migration agenda.

“This package ensures that Kenyan workers abroad are fully taken care of. It not only secures them financially but also reassures their families back home that their loved ones are protected,” he said.