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The Insurance Regulatory Authority has moved in to increase the number of insurance agency in the counties in a bid to reach the majority of uninsured citizens. We have rolled a program targeting 100 people in each county in order to develop the underwriting capacities that is deficient in the rural areas. We have partnered with the College of Insurance to train the residents of each county for two weeks.

The purpose of the course is to increase knowledge of Kenyans about the insurance industry.  The aim of this programme is that trainees will join the industry and earn income in insurance sales as well as encourage them to buy insurance to meet their own needs. The course is open to interested Kenyans who are 18 years of age and are able to communicate in English.

The programme was pioneered in Kitui County which took place from 12th – 23rd November, 2012 at the Parkside Villa Motel. The Graduation Ceremony was held on 24th November, 2012. There were a total Number of 105 participants who graduated. The participants successfully underwent the two week’s training, passed all the examinations and were awarded Executive Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance.

The Ceremony was attended by Association of Kenya Insurers, Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya, Insurance Companies, Director of Quality Assurance & Accreditation, the Mayor of Kitui Municipal Council, Kitui Chamber of Commerce, Ag. District Commissioner - Kitui Central and the County Commissioner Representative - the District Commissioner of Lower Yatta-Kitui. The Ceremony was officiated by the Commissioner of Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Regulatory Authority.

The Commissioner noted that many underwriting agents are concentrated in the urban areas, leaving the rural population uninformed on insurance covers. This program will promote the development and growth of the sales force in the 47 counties.

The Chairman, Chamber of Commerce said that the agents would help businesses in the area understand the need for insurance and also access it easily.

Various Insurance Companies pitched tents at the venue during the graduation. They included Brittam, CFC Life, Heritage, AMACO, APA, Invesco, Pioneer, Kenya Alliance, Real, Kenya Orient, Pan Africa Life, Kenindia and CIC.

The next training will be in Kisii County in January, 2013. The dates shall be communicated in due course.