Trade and Labour Pathways for Decent Work in Kenya's Digital Economy 2025

Britam Connect: Embedded insurance for Kenya’s informal economy BOX 2 In March 2025, Britam launched Britam Connect, a licensed microinsurance subsidiary aimed at expanding financial protection to low-income households, gig workers and small businesses in Kenya. With insurance penetration in Kenya at just 2.4%, Britam Connect addresses affordability and accessibility barriers by embedding insurance into everyday transactions. Through strategic partnerships with platforms such as Little and Safaricom, Britam Connect offers pay-as-you-go personal accident cover. For instance, taxi drivers on the Little ride-hailing app can access coverage for as little as KES 5 (4 cents) per trip. These micro-premium models ensure that gig workers are protected during their daily activities without the burden of upfront costs. Since its inception, Britam Connect has insured more than 300,000 gig workers and aims to reach 25 million people across Africa within five years. By using technology and forming partnerships with insuretech firms, savings and credit cooperatives and organizations such as Oxfam, Britam Connect is pioneering a model of inclusive, embedded insurance that aligns with the financial behaviours of underserved populations. Source: Britam. (2025). Britam Connect to revolutionize insurance for low-income householdsdesign performance benchmarks with worker representatives where they exist or directly with workers, reducing the risk of unfair ratings or income loss. –Pre-assignment transparency protocols: Employers could be required to clearly inform workers about the nature of tasks, especially those involving sensitive or graphic content, before they accept a project. This ensures informed consent and protects workers’ mental health. –Tailored insurance products: Partnerships could be recommended with insurance providers and financial institutions to develop sector-specific insurance schemes. For example, ride-hailing and delivery app riders could access bundled personal accident and vehicle insurance plans that account for common safety risks, such as attacks or theft (see Box 2). –Standard grievance procedures: Grievance mechanisms could be made accessible via mobile tools, particularly for remote or part-time digital workers. –On-the-job training: Considering the “deskilling” nature of many of the jobs in question, repetitive tasks could be time-limited and alternated with other kinds of work and training to help workers upgrade. Additional, specific guidelines for data labelling, content moderation and related roles could be developed. As a next step, a multistakeholder working group – including the relevant government ministries, KEPSA, trade unions, gig worker associations, labour experts and civil society – could be formed to co-design the toolkit and pilot its use across BPO firms. Trade and Labour: Pathways for Decent Work in Kenya’s Digital Economy 21