Riders, Creators, and Gig Workers Explained
Kenya’s freelance economy is booming. From boda boda riders and delivery agents to YouTubers, graphic designers, and TikTok creators, millions of Kenyans now earn outside the formal employment system. But with this flexibility comes vulnerability—especially when it comes to health, accidents, and income loss. In 2025, insurers like Britam Connect, Lami, and Turaco are rolling out tailored microinsurance products for freelancers, offering protection that’s affordable, flexible, and embedded into everyday transactions.
This guide explains how insurance works for freelancers in Kenya, the types of cover available, and how new policies are reshaping protection for the informal workforce.
1. Why Freelancers Need Insurance
Freelancers face unique risks:
- No employer-sponsored health or accident cover
- Irregular income and lack of paid sick leave
- Exposure to physical injury (riders, delivery agents)
- Legal liability (creators, consultants, developers)
- Equipment loss or theft (photographers, designers)
Without insurance, a single accident or illness can wipe out savings or halt work indefinitely.
2. Types of Insurance for Freelancers in Kenya
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Inpatient, outpatient, maternity, chronic illness | All freelancers |
| Accident Insurance | Injuries, hospital bills, income replacement | Riders, delivery agents, manual workers |
| Professional Liability | Legal claims for errors, omissions, or negligence | Consultants, designers, developers |
| Equipment Insurance | Theft or damage to work tools (camera, laptop) | Creators, photographers, technicians |
| Income Protection | Monthly payouts if unable to work due to illness | All freelancers |
| Microinsurance | Low-cost bundled cover for health or accidents | Low-income gig workers |
3. New Insurance Models in 2025
A. Embedded Insurance
Freelancers now access insurance automatically through platforms they already use:
- Little Cab: Riders get accident cover for KSh 5 per trip
- Safaricom Data Bundles: Boda riders receive personal accident insurance with every bundle purchase
- Sendy & Jumia: Delivery agents covered during active hours via Lami’s API-based insurance
These models reduce paperwork and align premiums with actual work performed.
B. Pay-As-You-Go Microinsurance
- Britam Connect offers accident and health cover starting at KSh 85/month
- Turaco partners with SACCOs and mobile wallets to offer KSh 40–100/month plans
- Majani Insurance Brokers insures over 200,000 farmers with bundled health cover
Freelancers can activate cover only when working, reducing costs while staying protected.
4. Health Insurance Options
NHIF/SHIF (Public)
- Mandatory for all citizens under SHIF Act (2024)
- Contribution: 2.75% of income (min KSh 300/month)
- Covers outpatient, inpatient, chronic care, maternity
Private Plans
- Britam Milele, Jubilee J-Care, AAR Cover Me
- Premiums from KSh 2,500–5,000/month
- Includes dental, optical, mental health, and faster access
Microinsurance
- Britam Connect, Turaco, Lami
- Premiums from KSh 40–100/month
- Ideal for low-income freelancers and gig workers
5. Accident and Income Protection
- Personal Accident Cover: Pays for treatment and lost income after injury
- Income Protection: Monthly payouts if unable to work due to illness or accident
- Group Schemes: SACCOs and cooperatives offer discounted plans
Example: A boda rider injured in a crash receives KSh 250,000 for treatment and recovery under Britam’s embedded cover.
6. Professional Liability and Equipment Cover
- Errors & Omissions Insurance: Protects against client lawsuits for missed deadlines or faulty work
- Equipment Insurance: Covers laptops, cameras, and tools against theft or damage
- Freelancers can bundle these with business interruption cover
Example: A freelance videographer insures their camera kit worth KSh 300,000 for KSh 1,500/month, including theft and accidental damage.
7. How to Get Covered
Step-by-Step
- Assess Your Risks: Health, accident, legal, equipment
- Choose a Provider: Britam Connect, Lami, Turaco, CIC, APA
- Select a Plan: Based on income, profession, and coverage needs
- Register Digitally: Via app, USSD, or partner platform
- Pay Premiums: Monthly, per gig, or bundled with services
- Track Claims: Use mobile apps or WhatsApp support
Final Thoughts
In 2025, insurance for freelancers in Kenya is smarter, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a rider, creator, or consultant, you can now protect your health, income, and tools without breaking the bank. The key is choosing a plan that fits your work style—and activating it before disaster strikes.
