Britam Connect has introduced a low-cost medical insurance cover targeting domestic and informal workers in a move aimed at expanding access to healthcare for one of Kenya’s most underserved workforce segments.
The new product, Bima ya Wafanyikazi, offers inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, optical and last expense benefits from as little as Sh336 a month. The cover is underwritten by Britam and distributed through Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers.
The launch comes as millions of domestic and informal workers continue to operate without health insurance despite playing a critical role in supporting households, businesses and institutions across the country.
According to the International Labour Organization, more than 90 percent of domestic workers in Kenya have no form of medical insurance, leaving many exposed to financial hardship when illness or emergencies occur.
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Britam Connect says the new cover is designed to address that gap by making healthcare more affordable for workers who have traditionally been excluded from conventional insurance products.
Britam Connect Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer Evah Kimani said the product responds to the everyday realities facing domestic and informal workers.
“For many domestic and informal workers, there is very little room for life’s disruptions. An illness, injury or even a few days away from work can quickly place pressure on household finances,” said Kimani.
She said the cover combines outpatient and inpatient treatment with maternity, dental and optical care as well as annual health check-ups to encourage early treatment and reduce the financial impact of illness.
The medical cover is available to individual domestic workers, employers and registered worker associations, broadening access to health insurance across the informal economy.
Minet Kenya Chief Executive Officer Sammy Muthui said the partnership was informed by growing demand for affordable healthcare protection among informal workers.
“We spent a great deal of time listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs. One message came through clearly. There is a significant gap in healthcare protection for Kenya’s informal workforce,” said Muthui.
He said the collaboration combines Britam Connect’s expertise in inclusive insurance with Minet’s distribution network to deliver a product tailored to the needs of thousands of workers and their families.
The launch strengthens Britam Connect’s strategy of expanding inclusive insurance by developing affordable products that improve healthcare access and financial protection for underserved communities.
