Insurance Regulatory Authority IRA ,urges the Public Transport Sector in Kwale to take up Insurance Cover
Kwale County Matatu,Bodaboda and Tuktuk operators Joined by IRA and Traffic police Officers /Phots Caroline Kahonzi
By Caroline Kahonzi
The Insurance Regulatory Authority IRA has launched an exercise to sensitize stakeholders from various sectors in Kwale County regarding the importance of investing in insurance companies approved by the government to benefit them.
Speaking during a session that brought together operators from the transport sector, traffic police and health department at Matuga Kenya school of government, Evans Kibagendi the IRA officer underscored the importance of insurance in the lives of Kenyans and their properties.
“We have engaged Bodaboda, Matatu and Tuktuk leaders to ensure they get the knowledge about insurances, we have had complains of people registered with fake insurance, we have engaged the traffic police so that they can educate them regarding traffic rules and how to ensure that passengers and all road users are protected against avoidable accidents,” Said Mr.Kibagendi.
Mr. Kibagendi who has promised to address the challenges raised by the Kwale transport , has also reaffirmed the need to adhere to existing traffic laws while ensuring they are all insured.
“When you take insurance cover, you get peace of mind, you also protect your customers in case of accidents,” Emphasized Mr. Kibagendi.
The IRA officer also noted they are collaborating with the Policy holder Compensation Fund PCF that deals with the compensation of customers whose companies were closed for violating the insurance laws in the country.
“In the past we have seen two or three companies closed but the IRA has brought together a PCF that will manage the customers of those closed insurance companies that were working in total disregard of the insurance laws, “Reiterated Mr.Kibagendi.
The IRA aims to sensitise citizens across the country.
“We started from June last year, now we have reached the 8th county, we expect that after one or two years we will be able to reach all The 47 counties spreading this news,” says Kibagendi.
The chairman of Matatu operators Kwale county Joseph Mutunga acknowledged many of the matatu operators had experienced many challenges following the lack of investment knowledge in insurance companies.
For the past 15 years, we haven’t had an opportunity like this to meet with the IRA and the government to guide, but we are grateful we will ensure all our vehicles are insured as well as continue sensitizing our members to adhere to the traffic rules,”Said Mr.Mutunga.
The bodaboda coordinator in Kwale county Juma Gamtoni has agreed that a large percentage of the bodaboda riders are not covered by any insurance.
“I thank the IRA for this training, a big number of bodaboda operators are not covered by insurance and mainly because of lack of enough finances, however the risks are unimaginable without insurance we have been educated. Said Mr.Gamtoni.
About Author
