Old Mutual has unveiled a new insurance solution, the Boda Riders Super Cover, developed in collaboration with the Kenya Bodaboda Association (KBA), Rescue.Co, Incourage Insurance, and Rafiki Microfinance Bank.

According to a joint press release dated Tuesday, August 19, the product is designed to cushion motorcycle taxi riders and owners from financial shocks arising from hospitalisation and loss of life.

Under the new cover, insured riders will receive Ksh1,000 per night of hospitalisation, beginning from the third night, for up to 50 nights within a calendar year. In the event of death, the policy provides a last expense benefit of Ksh100,000 to the rider’s nominated next of kin.

Speaking at the launch, Martin Karenju, Managing Director of Old Mutual Life Assurance Kenya, said the product directly addresses the day-to-day realities faced by boda boda riders.

“The number of boda boda operators in Kenya is increasing rapidly, and so are their needs. This cover is built to meet their realities, offering cash support when hospitalisation interrupts earnings and dignified support for families when tragedy strikes. With trusted partners and KBA’s nationwide reach, we are making protection simpler, faster and closer to riders,” he said.

The need for such interventions is urgent. Data shows that over 1,000 people were treated for motorcycle crash injuries within 18 months, with an average hospital stay of 18 days. Nearly 30 per cent of the victims remained in the hospital for more than three weeks. 

Motorcycle users also accounted for 35 per cent of all road fatalities in 2023, underscoring the high vulnerability of both riders and passengers.

Beyond the human cost, road trauma has become a significant economic burden, draining between three and five per cent of Kenya’s GDP annually—approximately Ksh 310 billion lost in productivity, healthcare and related expenses.

In 2024 alone, 4,748 lives were lost on Kenyan roads, highlighting the urgency of targeted solutions for vulnerable groups such as boda boda riders.

The boda boda sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Kenya, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) estimating over 1.6 million active riders and more than two million licensed operators. The sector provides critical transport services for both urban and rural populations while serving as a major source of employment and income.

According to KBA National Executive Chairman Charles Gichira, the partnership represents a major step in protecting this vital community.

“This partnership blends community networks with institutional strength. It is protection that riders can truly use, but delivered in a way that is simple, fast and fairly priced,” he remarked.

Old Mutual will provide underwriting expertise, product design, and claims management. KBA will oversee member enrolment and serve as the main touchpoint for claims.

On its part, Rescue.Co will offer emergency coordination and referral services, while Incourage Insurance and Rafiki Microfinance Bank will focus on distribution, premium collection, and financing.

The launch of the Boda Riders Super Cover marks a significant milestone in extending practical, affordable protection to one of Kenya’s most dynamic but vulnerable sectors.