Kenya’s insurance sector has intensified efforts to tackle fake motor insurance certificates, following the discovery of 44 fraudulent cases in Central Kenya and along the Coast.
The move highlights persistent risks to motorists, even as digitised certificates were introduced to simplify verification and reduce fraud.
The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) said the nationwide campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Traffic Police, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), and the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit.
The operation aims to hold offenders accountable, protect motorists, and maintain confidence in the insurance industry.
AKI reported that over the past year, authorities have uncovered 44 cases of forged motor insurance certificates. While digitisation has made verification easier, forgeries continue to emerge, posing legal and financial risks. The association stressed that producing or using a counterfeit certificate is a criminal offence under Kenyan law.
In June last year, a coordinated operation in Central Kenya, led by Commissioner of Police Anthony Muriithi, identified 27 forged certificates. Four cases have been concluded, resulting in fines ranging from Sh15,000 to Sh30,000 or prison sentences of four months to one year, while the remaining cases are still before the courts.
A second crackdown in December along the Coast uncovered 17 additional fake certificates. Three of these cases have been finalised: one offender received a Sh200,000 fine or two years’ imprisonment, while the other two were fined Sh50,000 or jailed for six months.
AKI Executive Director Tom Gichuhi warned that fake certificates expose motorists to serious risks and undermine the integrity of the insurance sector.
“Digitisation has significantly strengthened verification, but enforcement remains critical. Fraudulent motor insurance certificates offer no protection to motorists and undermine public confidence in the sector. We will continue working closely with law enforcement officers to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the insurance industry,” he said.
The association noted that counterfeit certificates can result in financial losses, particularly during accidents or claims. They also damage the reputation of the insurance sector, reducing trust in the services offered.
AKI said joint enforcement operations will continue in other parts of the country as part of broader efforts to improve compliance and protect consumers.
Motorists are encouraged to confirm the authenticity of their insurance certificates using the USSD code *352# or the Bima Yangu App, both developed by AKI. They are also advised to purchase policies only from authorised brokers or agents.
The crackdown is part of a wider initiative to ensure digitisation benefits policyholders while preserving the credibility of Kenya’s insurance sector. AKI, as the umbrella body for insurance companies in Kenya, also conducts awareness campaigns, market research, industry advocacy, and capacity-building programs.
