Telkom Kenya, is an integrated telecommunications provider in the East African country, and Britam Holding, the financial services firm listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, have partnered to bring a mobile-based insurance solution that will see customers benefit from a bespoke mobile and insurance bundle that includes mobile data, voice minutes, SMS, personal accident and last-expense insurance.
The solution, the Life Bila Noma bundle, offers two options, Life 200 and Life 300, said a press release. The Life bila noma bundle can be purchased via USSD *444#, using a Telkom mobile line.
Eric ACHOLA, Director of Marketing at Telkom said: “At Telkom, we believe that access to mobile data is a fundamental human right and we remain dedicated to providing Kenyans with the much-needed innovative solutions to access this resource. Apart from looking for the next great competitive offer that will provide our consumers with more value for their communication and data demands, we are also aware of the crucial role that mobile innovation plays in increasing insurance penetration levels amongst key contributors to the economy such as the mama mboga and boda boda riders. Our collaboration with Britam is therefore strategic to addressing this issue.”
“At Britam we recognized that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (mSMEs) such as boda boda and small-scale traders have traditionally had a challenge when it comes to accessing insurance products. That is why we partnered with Telkom to develop this solution. With Life Bila Noma, customers will get their medical expenses covered in case of an accident, and in an unfortunate loss of life, Britam will provide a funeral cover. As part of our strategy towards building a customer-centric organization that offers affordable and accessible everyday financial solutions, we are focusing on strategic partnerships that give us access to the underserved markets” said Britam’s Partnerships and Digital Director, Evah KIMANI.
According to the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Industry Survey 2019, Kenya's insurance penetration fell to 2.43 percent, the lowest in 15 years and the lowest quartile in the world. Part of the remedies to increasing the insurance penetration levels have been linked to a combination of technological adoption and mobile phone access through micro-insurance using small-scale, low-cost, and low-risk products.