A Strategic Partnership to Address a Critical Need

NAIROBI, Thursday, 30th October 2025 (EAT) – The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), through its welfare subsidiary, the Kenya Diaspora Alliance Welfare Association (KWA), has launched a comprehensive medical insurance plan tailored for Kenyans living abroad and their dependents in Kenya. The product, unveiled on Monday, 27th October 2025, is a strategic partnership with Jubilee Health Insurance, Bupa Global, and Kenbright Insurance Brokers. It aims to provide a structured solution to the persistent challenge of managing healthcare costs, which has long been a source of financial and emotional distress for the diaspora community.

Solving the Remittance Dilemma

For years, Kenyans abroad have shouldered the burden of unexpected medical emergencies back home, often resorting to informal fundraising and community contributions. This new cover is a direct response to calls from diaspora members for a reliable system. "This new medical cover is a direct response to what our diaspora members asked for: a trusted system that ensures access to healthcare for their families back home, as well as for themselves wherever they are in the world—without emotional or financial distress," stated Dr. Shem Ochuodho, Global Chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance.

The economic implications for Kenya are significant. Diaspora remittances are the nation's largest source of foreign exchange, surpassing traditional exports like tea and coffee. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, inflows are on track to exceed USD 5 billion by the end of 2025. However, studies by the African Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration show that healthcare is a top-three spending priority, with nearly 60% of households receiving remittances using a portion for medical bills. By formalizing healthcare financing, the new insurance product could redirect a substantial portion of these funds from consumption and emergencies towards savings and investment, aligning with the government's development agenda.

How the Dual-Coverage Plan Works

The partnership leverages both local and international expertise to provide seamless coverage across borders.

• Jubilee Health Insurance will provide comprehensive local coverage for dependents residing in Kenya. This includes inpatient and outpatient care, chronic condition support, and access to an extensive network of hospitals nationwide. "Our partnership... is about making that continuity possible through one integrated system," said Njeri Jomo, CEO of Jubilee Health Insurance.
• Bupa Global will offer international private medical insurance for Kenyans living in the diaspora. Members will have access to Bupa's global network of over 2.4 million healthcare providers, specialist care, and medical evacuation services where necessary.
• Kenbright Insurance Brokers will serve as the scheme's coordinator, managing policy administration, member onboarding, and overall support to ensure a smooth experience.

This initiative builds on the success of the KWA Group Last Expense Insurance, which was launched three years ago to help families manage bereavement costs with dignity.

Aligning with National Policy

The launch comes as Kenya's healthcare landscape undergoes a significant transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Universal Health Coverage framework. The new diaspora plan complements these efforts by providing a private-sector solution that caters to the unique needs of citizens abroad.

Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024, which underscores the government's commitment to protecting the welfare of its diaspora and harnessing their potential for national development. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has previously highlighted healthcare as a priority sector for engaging with Kenyan professionals abroad, encouraging them to contribute their skills and invest in the local health infrastructure.

A New Era for Diaspora Engagement

By providing a reliable safety net, the Diaspora Medical Insurance Cover is poised to transform how Kenyans abroad support their families and contribute to the economy. It marks a shift from reactive, emergency-based support to a proactive, sustainable model that fosters financial security and peace of mind. As Dr. Ochuodho noted, the diaspora community is an "untapped goldmine" for Kenya's development, and this initiative provides a powerful tool for channeling their resources more effectively. All enrollment and inquiries will be managed through the KDA Welfare Association and Kenbright to ensure a streamlined process for all members.