By Wakhungu Andanje
March 25, 2026/ The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has pitched camp in Kakamega County for a four-day sensitization drive under its Bima Mashinani initiative, targeting a region the authority says has recorded minimal investment in insurance.
The outreach, which began March 24, brings together a cross-section of stakeholders including journalists, boda boda operators, national government administrative officers, persons living with disabilities, teachers’ unions, and matatu operators. The engagements are designed to deepen understanding of insurance, dispel negative perceptions, and encourage uptake of policies.
On Tuesday, the regulator held a session with 100 boda boda riders and owners, combining road safety training with lessons on protecting livelihoods through insurance coverage. The facilitators noted that the grassroots approach aims to reach a wide audience and demonstrate the value of insuring both property and persons.
The Kakamega chapter of Bima Mashinani was officially opened by IRA Board Director Immaculate Shamala, Director of Corporate Services Esther Musyoki, and Deputy Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Joanne Wanjala. Shamala emphasized the media’s role in shaping public perception, noting that accurate reporting is key to how communities understand and engage with insurance.
Joanne Wanjala described the four-day exercise as a vigorous engagement aimed at demystifying the long-held notion that “insurers are thieves.” She said the initiative seeks not only to improve understanding of industry trends but also to draw more Kenyans into formal insurance policies.
A dedicated media training session brought together business reporters from the region. Facilitators guided journalists on essentials of insurance reporting, fraud detection, consumer protection, and the Insurance Act. The goal, according to the IRA, is to improve story pitching and ensure coverage is both accurate and impactful.
During the training, it emerged that many insurance consumers do not read or understand their policy schedules, despite the document being the foundation of any claim. Participants were reminded that “insurance is not an open cheque and only pays approved claims.”Addressing the media training, Esther Musyoki commended journalists for their role in educating the public on insurance matters. She noted that fair and informed reporting contributes significantly to building trust in the sector.
Shamala assured the public that the IRA remains committed to its core mandate of regulating, supervising, and developing the insurance industry. She noted that the authority has already placed three insurers—Corporate Insurance, KUSCCO Assurance, and Trident Insurance—under statutory management as part of its oversight role.
Calling on residents of the sugar belt region to take advantage of Bima Mashinani, Shamala stressed the importance of rising to meet insurance investment opportunities, describing the initiative as a vital step toward financial resilience for individuals and communities alike.