The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has cautioned members of the public against seeking insurance-related services from unlicensed operators.
Speaking during the conclusion of the four-day grassroots engagement forum dubbed Bima Mashinani at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, IRA Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer Evans Kibagendi noted the existence of illegal entities posing as insurance brokers and service providers.
“We have conducted sensitization sessions in Kisii and whenever you find people carrying out insurance businesses, kindly verify the licensing status of the insurance provider before making payments,” said Kibagendi.
The Officer also urged the public to report any suspicious activities within the insurance sector to the Authority for investigations to avoid cases of fraudulent claims that continue to erode public confidence in insurance.
He noted that the IRA and the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit, which is a specialized wing of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, remain committed to investigating fraudulent claims within the industry.
Notably, IRA announced the cancellation of operating licences for twenty insurance brokers in a gazette notice dated July 18, 2025, citing failure to remit premiums, lack of statutory returns and breach of licensing conditions as some of the reasons for the revocation of the licenses.
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IRA Deputy Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Joanne Wanjala said that the Bima Mashinani programme is designed to bridge the knowledge gap by enhancing insurance awareness to the grassroots.
“The Authority has established that low insurance uptake in several counties, including Kisii, is due to lack of proper knowledge and awareness around insurance, and therefore, we have adopted a deliberate multi-stakeholder approach to insurance awareness through these targeted forums,” Wanjala said.
Wanjala underscored the importance of building public confidence in insurance through awareness and transparent communication, noting that informed consumers are better equipped to make decisions that safeguard their livelihoods.
She urged members of the public to embrace insurance as a critical tool for ensuring adequate care and protection in case of uncertainty.
The forum brought together more than 320 participants drawn from different interest groups, including journalists, teachers, traders, farmers, matatu and boda boda operators and owners, co-operative societies, women and youth groups, as well as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
By Juma Ndigo
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