6 Awesome Benefits of WIBA Insurance in Kenya(2025 Update)

September 8, 2022 BUSINESS INSURANCE

The Work Injury Benefits Act Insurance (WIBA) is a requirement for every employer in Kenya, as outlined in the Work Injury Benefits Act of 2007. During the financial year 2024/25, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported 9,159 notifications of workplace injuries, highlighting the significant impact these incidents can have. Here’s why having a solid WIBA insurance policy is crucial for your business in 2025.

Quick WIBA Insurance In Kenya Benefits Summary Table

Benefit	Compensation
Death	96 months’ salary (capped by Minister of Labour)
Permanent Total Disability	96 months’ salary
Temporary Total/Partial Disablement	Weekly pay up to 52 weeks
Medical Expenses	All “reasonable” bills, minimum Ksh.30,000, subject to negotiation with insurer at start of cover
Funeral Expenses	From Ksh 30,000
Occupational Illness	Up to Ksh 4 million

You can watch and learn about the benefits of WIBA Insurance in Kenya in this video.

Benefits of WIBA Insurance in Kenya

We shall be looking at the 6 benefits of WIBA insurance in Kenya that you need to know:

1. Statutory Compliance & Penalty Avoidance

By securing WIBA insurance in Kenya, you ensure that you’re fully aligned with the legal standards set by the Work Injury Benefits Act, helping you avoid significant fines and potential work disruptions.

• Why It Matters: According to Cap. 236 of the Laws of Kenya, employers who fail to comply could face heavy penalties, legal action, and interruptions to their operations.
  
• 2025 Insight: There was a 12% increase in DOSH inspections year-on-year—companies that are compliant not only enjoy quicker renewals but also face fewer audit checks
  

2. Comprehensive Medical Expense Cover

WIBA insurance in Kenya ensures that all reasonable medical expenses, from initial first aid to physiotherapy, are completely covered following a workplace injury.

• What’s Covered: All “reasonable” costs, first aid, hospital care, medication, physiotherapy, and medical reports related to work injuries or occupational diseases.
  
• Expert Take:“Under WIBA, employers are only liable if negligence is proven,” says Paul Hastings LLP, highlighting that strong safety measures can both minimise claims and clarify who is responsible.

3. Lump-Sum Disability & Death Benefits

Through WIBA insurance in Kenya, employees who are permanently disabled or the dependents of deceased workers receive a straightforward, lump-sum payment of up to 96 months’ salary.

• Permanent Total Disability: One-time payout amounting to 96 months’ salary.
• Permanent Partial Disability: Lump sum paid based on the level of impairment.
  
• Why It’s Awesome: Provides immediate financial relief—no lengthy court battles or uncertainty.
  

4. Funeral & Survivor Support

WIBA insurance in Kenya provides a designated funeral grant and survivors’ compensation, ensuring families aren’t left with financial burdens after a workplace fatality.

• Funeral Grant: Minimum Ksh 30,000 (many insurers offer higher).
  
• Dependants’ Compensation: Up to 96 months’ salary to spouse, children, or other dependents in the event of the employee’s death.
  

5. Promotes a Safer Workplace

By requiring WIBA insurance in Kenya, employers directly benefit from lower premiums when they invest in training, PPE, and hazard controls.

• Safety Incentives: Low-claim employers earn renewal discounts.
  
• Culture Shift: Workers see real-world dividends from safety training, PPE, and hazard controls, reducing both accidents and premiums.
  

6. Predictable Risk Management & Cost Control

Pooling risk via WIBA insurance in Kenya gives your business budget certainty and shields you from unpredictable, high-cost claims.

• Risk Pooling: Spreads large claims across many employers for stability.
  
• Budget Certainty: Fixed annual premium → accurate forecasting, no surprise payouts.
  

How to Calculate Your WIBA Insurance in Kenya Premiums

Calculating your WIBA insurance in Kenya premiums is straightforward; just combine your total annual payroll, your industry’s risk rate, and any claims-history adjustments to arrive at your exact cost.

Tip: Premiums are based on total payroll, industry risk rating, and your claims record.

1. Step 1: Sum annual gross salaries.
   
2. Step 2: Multiply by your sector’s rate (e.g., manufacturing ~1.2%; hospitality ~0.8%).
   
3. Step 3: Adjust for claim history (–10% for no claims, +15% for multiple claims).
   

Mini Case Studies: WIBA in Action

1. Manufacturing Plant (Nairobi County):
   
   1. Scenario: A machine-guard failure injured a technician.
      
   2. Outcome: WIBA covered Ksh 450,000 in hospital bills and paid 20 weeks of wage replacement, allowing both rapid recovery and zero legal disputes.
      
2. Hospitality Staff (Mombasa):
   
   1. Scenario: A chef developed dermatitis from a cleaning chemical.
      
   2. Outcome: WIBA’s occupational illness cover paid Ksh 120,000 for treatment plus 8 weeks of compensation, preserving staff morale and public reputation.
      

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a WIBA Insurance Claim

Step	Action	Who Does It
1️⃣	Report the accident/injury immediately to your supervisor/employer	Employee
2️⃣	Seek medical treatment and get a doctor’s report	Employee
3️⃣	Once approved, the insurer pays out medical refunds, disability benefits, or death compensation	Employer
4️⃣	Fill out DOSH Form D1 (Accident Notification)	Employer/HR
5️⃣	Submit supporting documents to insurer: – Police report (if applicable) – Medical reports/receipts – Payslips showing salary – Witness statements (optional)	Employer
6️⃣	Insurer investigates the claim and may request a medical re-evaluation	Insurance company
7️⃣	Once approved, insurer pays out medical refunds, disability benefits, or death compensation	Insurance company

What are the documents needed to file a WIBA Insurance claim in Kenya?

1. DOSH Form D1 – accident/injury notification
2. Medical reports + treatment invoices
3. Employee’s payslips (to calculate compensation)
4. ID/passport copy of the injured employee
5. Employer’s WIBA policy document
6. Death certificate + burial permit (for fatal cases)
7. Witness statements or internal accident reports

Benefits Paid Out Under WIBA

Type of Claim	Payout Guideline
Medical Expenses	Reimbursed up to the policy limit (e.g., KES 50,000+)
Temporary Disability	Salary paid for up to 52 weeks (based on medical assessment)
Permanent Disability	Lump sum, often up to 96 months’ salary (based on % loss)
Death Benefit	Lump sum up to 96 months’ salary + funeral costs (KES 30k+)

Frequently Asked Questions.

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