Reducing Vulnerability: Demand for and Supply of Microinsurance in East Africa
The paper underlines the appropriateness of microinsurance as a risk management tool for the poor. Drawing from studies conducted in the East African states of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the paper presents the demand for and supply of microinsurance in the region.
The paper analyses the numerous risks and the coping mechanisms used by the poor to cover the risks. It derives important lessons for microinsurance organizations:
- Pricing of micro insurance products;
- Enhancing accessibility to micro insurance products;
- Building the capacities of service providers to improve service quality;
- Designing and implementing effective policies and procedures for insurance providing organizations.
While documenting some innovations from the region, the authors emphasize on the need for innovative solutions based on local customer profiles.
The paper concludes by stating that there is a clear and a largely unmet demand for microinsurance in the region but to make microinsurance programs successful, management capacity in insurance is necessary in the institution that manages the insurance risk.
