This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
On July 8, 2021, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the BodaBoda Safety Association of Kenya signed a landmark partnership to boost Universal Health Care (UHC) coverage in the country.
The partnership aims to provide medical insurance to over 5 million Kenyans who rely on the BodaBoda industry, with the goal of covering all riders across the 47 counties.
Present at the signing ceremony were Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology CS Joe Mucheru, Government of Kenya Spokesperson Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, NHIF Board Chairman Hon. Lewis Nguyai, NHIF CEO Dr. Peter Kamunyo, and BodaBoda Safety Association of Kenya Chairman Kevin Mubadi.
According to CS Mucheru, the partnership will have numerous benefits, including safety training, first aid, and mechanics training, and will help alleviate poverty by making healthcare more affordable for all.
Currently, only 11% of BodaBoda riders have medical insurance, leaving 89% without coverage. NHIF is aiming to register 800,000 riders in its recent biometric drive, which will increase efficiency, prompt access, and reduce insurance fraud.
The partnership is part of NHIF's efforts to provide affordable healthcare in line with the Big 4 Agenda, which includes expanding the healthcare network providers, reviewing the structure, and embracing technology to provide seamless and transparent services.
The BodaBoda industry can play a significant role in sensitizing the public about the importance of insurance, given its large numbers.
The cover will cost Ksh. 500 per month, broken down to Ksh. 17 per day for an individual, with the same cover paying for up to 4 members at a contribution of Ksh. 4 per day, per individual.
