Mzalendo
Access to affordable healthcare in Kenya and Africa at large remains a significant obstacle to financial freedom for many adults, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks and at risk of permanent debt or even modern slavery. With only 20% of the population having health insurance, out-of-pocket payments for healthcare are a common phenomenon in Kenya. This puts families without insurance at risk of significant financial devastation in the event of a sudden illness. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reports that health insurance uptake is highest among Kenyans aged 50 and above, highlighting the old age-related disease burden on households in the country. Uptake among the economically active population is also relatively low, with only 28.7% of those between 15-49 years having health cover, according to the findings of the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022.
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), established by the government to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Kenyans, accounts for 84% of those who have health cover. However, it is not enough for low-income Kenyans due to limited coverage, inadequate funding, administrative inefficiencies, and lack of public trust. NHIF only covers a limited range of services, leaving out critical healthcare services needed by low-income earners. Additionally, it relies on contributions from formal sector employees, leaving out the majority of Kenyans who work in the informal sector.
Kenya has 54 insurance companies in the industry with an annual gross written premium of about $2.2B, yet the penetration of insurance is pegged at less than 3%. This paints a grim picture for existing healthcare sector players as this translates to more than 42 million Kenyans paying for medical expenses out of pocket. These Traditional insurers have struggled to provide health insurance to low-income customers. The common myth with traditional insurers is that people won't subscribe to health insurance because it is too expensive and they cannot afford it. However, our previously conducted research with FSD Kenya revealed that affordability is not the biggest problem but trust is. To address this challenge, we utilize behavior science and human-centered design to provide sustainable healthcare financing for underserved communities in Kenya. Our goal is to offer affordable insurance solutions and close the growing gap of uninsured members of society by introducing innovative and workable solutions that enable as many people as possible to access quality healthcare without falling into financial distress.
Our solution aims to address the problem of inaccessible insurance for vulnerable populations in Kenya and Africa by utilizing behavior science and human-centred design to develop micro-insurance products. Our goal is to provide over 20 million vulnerable Kenyans and more than 1 billion low-income individuals across Africa with affordable healthcare insurance coverage, thereby bridging the gap of inadequate protection for those who need it most.
Our flagship product, Mzalendo, is a comprehensive outpatient and inpatient healthcare insurance that covers a range of benefits such as telemedicine, lab tests, chronic disease management, medication, expectant mother and newborn care, lab tests and radiology, medication, procedures, and maternity. The premium is $8.32 per family of up to four members per month, and it covers individuals up to 80 years of age, including the elderly who are usually excluded from traditional insurance products.
To improve accessibility to quality care, we partner with trusted low-cost private clinics that are strategically located within the communities where our target consumers reside and work. This approach reduces commute time and cost, which are key barriers to access. Through partnerships with providers like Ilara Health & Sasa doctor, we enable our clients to have access to over 2,000 clinics within the clinic network, enabling access to first-level healthcare.
Our solution is based on deploying unique healthcare models to control high outpatient claim costs and subsequently enable lower premium charges. We aim to address the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as cardio-metabolic diseases, which account for over 55% of hospital deaths in Kenya. These diseases have multiple negative effects in low-income countries, decreasing economic productivity and draining family resources, becoming a major threat to economic and social development.
Our product also takes a preventative approach to healthcare and includes a comprehensive wellness program that guides members, especially those already affected by chronic diseases, on how to acquire knowledge, attitudes, skills, behavior, lifestyle management, and the commitment required to meet the challenges of daily disease self-management. This is in contrast to most health insurers that tend to limit or totally exclude coverage for chronic conditions, as a strategy towards reducing the claims burden.
We plan to use different sales approaches and distribution strategies to achieve scale, which will be validated using human-centered design. Gig workers will be targeted through their respective gig platforms on a B2B2C model. Informal traders will be reached through informal groups in both rural and peri-urban areas on a B2C model. Smallholder farmers will also be reached through informal groups as well as respective aggregators in this space. We will also use our healthcare provider partner facilities to distribute and promote the product.
Our solution comes at a time when the world, and specifically the healthcare sector, is still trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic which has left many decimated. Almost a fifth of Kenyans who previously had a form of health cover opted out of insurance due to reduced household incomes in the midst of a health pandemic.
Maisha Poa provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to vulnerable populations in Kenya and Africa through strategic partnerships with low-cost private clinics, affordable premiums, and preventative healthcare measures. Our healthcare product, Mzalendo, is designed to meet the needs of those who have been excluded from traditional insurance plans due to social, economic, and political marginalization with a special focus on gig workers, informal traders, and smallholder farmers.
Accessing health insurance can be challenging for gig workers as they are often ineligible for group health insurance plans provided by employers, and may not earn a steady income, making individual health insurance plans unaffordable. As the number of gig workers continues to rise, it is crucial to find solutions that address their healthcare needs.
Smallholder farmers operate small farms with limited resources and land. In Africa, they play a crucial role in providing food and contributing to our economy. However, they face difficulties in accessing health insurance due to financial constraints & often prioritize spending on immediate needs, making it hard to allocate funds for health insurance premiums. Many of them live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services, leading to challenges in receiving medical care when required. This lack of access can result in delayed treatment, which can cause more severe health issues.
Informal traders in Africa engage in various economic activities without formal business registration, such as street vending, hawking, or small-scale trading. They often have limited access to financial services and face legal and regulatory barriers. Access to affordable healthcare insurance is also a significant challenge for them due to their irregular and unstable incomes, limited documentation, and low education levels. They rely on daily income, making it challenging to invest in health insurance.
Our target groups face common challenges in accessing healthcare, including financial limitations and ineligibility for traditional health insurance plans designed for formal employees of registered companies. They also lack information on the importance of health insurance and the available options, making it difficult for them to make informed decisions about their health and financial security. This lack of coverage can prevent them from receiving preventative care and lead to more severe health issues. Delayed medical treatment due to high healthcare costs can also worsen their condition, resulting in longer recovery times and increased financial burden.
Our health insurance product, Mzalendo, aims to address these challenges by providing affordable and accessible comprehensive health coverage to these vulnerable populations. We utilize a human-centered design approach to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of our low-income customers. By co-creating with customers and testing and iterating solutions based on feedback and insights, we designed a healthcare insurance product that is more accessible, affordable, and responsive to their needs.
We have a multidisciplinary, culturally sensitive team with individuals who are committed to improving the health outcomes of the indigenous communities in Kenya and Africa.
100% of our team comprises individuals who have firsthand experience of being part of underprivileged communities and have managed to overcome adversity. They possess a profound understanding of the healthcare needs of indigenous communities in Kenya and Africa.
Our team comprises experts in human-centered design approaches and user research who lead the co-creation process and design insurance products that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of the target population. These experts are highly skilled in qualitative research methods, data analysis, and prototyping and testing solutions.
In addition, we have a team of Actuaries and insurance experts who design and deliver affordable and sustainable insurance products that meet the unique needs of the target population. They are well-versed in the regulatory environment and have experience working with microfinance institutions and other financial service providers.
To ensure the effective delivery of the solution, we also have a team of Project Management and Community Management experts who oversee the implementation process. They are skilled in stakeholder management and have experience working with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs. With this multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive team, we are confident in our ability to design and deliver a solution that is meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve.
Our organization recognizes the importance of engaging the communities we serve as active participants in the development of our healthcare solution. We employ community members as field representatives and train them to be health ambassadors, providing education to their peers about our healthcare product and encouraging uptake. This approach allows us to build trust and ownership of the solution within the community, increasing its chances of success. The team lead from our organization engages the field representatives of the target communities in a respectful and inclusive manner, establishing open and transparent communication channels to facilitate regular check-ins and updates. We understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and tailor our engagement approach accordingly, taking into account the customs, traditions, and language barriers that may exist.
To understand the needs of the communities we serve, we employ behavioral science and human-centered design approaches, working closely with community representatives as co-creators of the solution. We begin by conducting research to understand the community's needs and challenges through assessments, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. With a better understanding of the community's needs, we engage them as active participants in the development of the solution through weekly co-creation sessions, brainstorming and designing solutions that meet their needs. We also prototype and test solutions with the community, gathering feedback and refining the solution further. Through this collaborative process, we ensure that the design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by the communities' input, ideas, and agendas, resulting in a healthcare solution that is accessible, affordable, and responsive to their needs
- Help gather, synthesize, or use relevant data to inform the design of insurance products tailored to populations at greater risk of facing shocks such as climate disasters, health-related shocks, and unstable markets
- Kenya
- Pilot: An organization testing a product, service, or business model with a small number of users
3000
We are confident that our health insurance product, Mzalendo, is an excellent fit for the Financial Inclusion Challenge by Solve, which aims to tackle financial inclusion challenges for individuals, households, and small businesses through innovative solutions. Mzalendo is an ideal solution because it addresses the financial inclusion challenges that underprivileged communities in Kenya and Africa face. These communities are often excluded from traditional insurance schemes due to their financial constraints. Mzalendo's affordable premiums and tailored coverage make it an accessible and sustainable solution that empowers these communities to access quality healthcare without experiencing financial hardship. By participating in the Financial Inclusion Challenge, we are eager to collaborate with other like-minded organizations and individuals to bring Mzalendo to more people in need.
However, we have encountered several barriers when rolling out Mzalendo, and we seek support from Solve to overcome them. First, Solve can assist us in identifying and engaging with potential partners to expand market access and increase awareness of our insurance product.
We also recognize the importance of technology and digital infrastructure in the success of our health insurance product, Mzalendo. However, many of our target communities face significant barriers to accessing and using digital tools and platforms due to limited internet connectivity, low access to mobile phones and computers, and a lack of familiarity with such technologies. To address this challenge, we believe that Solve can help us leverage its technical expertise to develop and implement digital solutions that are user-friendly and accessible for individuals in low-resource settings. This could involve creating mobile applications or web-based platforms that are optimized for use on low-cost devices and can function effectively even in areas with limited internet connectivity. With the support of Solve, we can ensure that our health insurance product is accessible to everyone, regardless of their digital literacy or resources.
Expanding the reach of our health insurance product Mzalendo is a top priority for us. However, to achieve this goal, we need to invest in marketing, distribution, and customer acquisition to increase awareness and uptake of the product. Unfortunately, these activities require significant financial resources that may not be readily available to us. To overcome this financial barrier, we believe that Solve can help by providing access to funding and investment opportunities through its extensive network of investors and partners. In addition, Solve can also connect us with potential investors who share our vision and mission and are willing to invest in our product. By leveraging Solve's network and resources, we can obtain the necessary funding to accelerate the rollout of Mzalendo to the millions of uninsured Kenyans and Africans. Moreover, Solve can provide mentorship and guidance on how to attract and secure funding, including best practices for pitching and presenting to investors, which can help us improve our fundraising efforts and make Mzalendo more accessible to those in need.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
Mzalendo is a highly innovative health insurance product that addresses many of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. The product is designed to provide affordable premiums and tailored coverage, making it accessible and sustainable for individuals who are often excluded from traditional insurance schemes due to their financial constraints. This approach has resulted in increased insurance penetration, financial inclusion, and improved customer experience.
Our approach of partnering with affordable private clinics that are situated in the communities where our target consumers live and work is highly innovative. This strategy sets us apart from traditional insurers who often overlook these clinics, despite the fact that they provide a practical solution for achieving universal healthcare in underprivileged communities.
One of Mzalendo's significant features is that it covers pre-existing conditions, a departure from traditional insurance policies that typically exclude such conditions. This feature ensures that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions can access quality healthcare without facing financial barriers. Additionally, Mzalendo's partnership model with healthcare providers, such as clinics and hospitals, incentivizes them to offer affordable and quality services, ultimately benefiting patients.
We have also implemented a 24/7 call center and a dedicated team that is always available to assist clients, delivering seamless service that exceeds customer expectations. Mzalendo's innovative approach to health insurance has revolutionized the traditional insurance industry, making it more accessible, convenient, and affordable to the average person, resulting in significant benefits to Kenyans.
Our innovative digitized case management system improves patient care and reduces costs by coordinating and enhancing the quality of care and preventing complications caused by mismanagement. Additionally, our telemedicine program enables members to access medical consultations and drug delivery remotely, which saves time and cuts down on drug costs. By using digital technology, we have transformed the traditional insurance industry, making it more accessible, convenient, and affordable for everyone. The convenience of telemedicine means that people can now receive consultations from the comfort of their homes or offices, eliminating the need to physically visit the hospital.
We employ automation to enhance the customer experience by streamlining business operations, ranging from underwriting to claims processing, leading to quicker issue resolution and a better overall customer experience.
Lastly, Mzalendo capitalizes on mobile technology to enable easy enrollment and payment through mobile money platforms, taking advantage of the high mobile penetration in Kenya and other African countries. Our adaptable and digitized payment plans have also contributed to poverty reduction and economic growth by allowing more people to access healthcare without having to spend more money in the event of an emergency.
At Maisha Poa, we are focused on achieving our main goal which is providing health insurance to individuals who may not have access to healthcare services individuals and commit to achieving universal health coverage.
Over the next year, our goals at Maisha Poa are aimed at transforming people's lives through increased access to quality healthcare. Firstly, we aim to increase our customer base to 100,000 through community marketing campaigns, referral programs, and partnerships with gig employers, established restaurants, and community organizations. By reaching out to potential customers and building relationships with organizations that share our values, we can increase the accessibility of our services to those who need them most.
Moreover, we recognize the importance of customer satisfaction, and we aim to improve it by 15% through regular feedback surveys and addressing customer concerns promptly and effectively. We understand that our success as a business depends on how satisfied our customers are with our services, and we are committed to providing excellent customer service and support. By listening to our customers and acting on their feedback, we believe we can build trust and loyalty and create a positive reputation for our brand.
We also aim to expand our coverage to more regions in Kenya in the next one year by partnering with more clinics and hospitals and increasing our network of healthcare providers. We strongly believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and by expanding our coverage and network, we can reach more people and help them access the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Our transformational impact in the next year will be felt through increased accessibility to quality healthcare for our customers, improved customer satisfaction, and expansion of our coverage to more regions in Kenya
In the next 5 years, we at Maisha Poa aim to transform people's lives by making affordable and accessible healthcare a reality for everyone in Africa. Our first goal is to impact 1 million families through sensitization campaigns, public education programs, and partnerships with government agencies and community organizations. This will help more people protect themselves and their families from unexpected medical expenses, thus reducing financial burden and stress. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and by increasing insurance penetration, we can help more people protect themselves and their families from the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses.
Additionally, we plan to expand our services to other African countries by leveraging our experience and expertise in the Kenyan market, building partnerships with local providers and insurers, and adapting our products and services to meet the unique needs of each market. By doing this, we aim to improve access to quality healthcare across Africa and positively impact the lives of millions of people.
Through our innovative approach to insurance, we are committed to transforming the insurance industry in Kenya and beyond, and helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
- 1. No Poverty
- 3. Good Health and Well-being
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 17. Partnerships for the Goals
At Maisha Poa, we recognize the importance of measuring our progress towards our impact goals and ensuring that we are making a positive impact on people's lives.
To achieve this, we regularly track a range of indicators which include the number of new customers acquired through marketing campaigns, referral programs, and partnerships with organizations, as well as customer satisfaction ratings measured through feedback surveys. We also track the number of regions covered and the expansion of our network of healthcare providers, as well as insurance penetration rates in Kenya. Additionally, we monitor the number of preventive care and education programs offered to members and the percentage of members engaging in healthy behaviors incentivized by our program.
Furthermore, we track the number of partnerships established with government agencies and community organizations, the number of hours spent on research and product development, the number of telemedicine consultations to track the adoption of virtual consultations and digital adoption in Kenya, the hours spent in community training to increase knowledge in insurance, and the number of wellness checks completed. By regularly tracking these indicators, we can evaluate our progress towards achieving our impact goals and make any necessary adjustments to our strategy to ensure that we stay on track towards making a positive impact on people's lives.
Our affordable insurance product Mzalendo aims to increase insurance penetration and improve access to affordable healthcare for everyone in Kenya and beyond. The theory of change behind Mzalendo is based on the idea that by providing accessible and affordable health insurance, more people will seek and receive necessary medical care, including preventative services, reducing the financial burden of healthcare for individuals and families and promoting better health outcomes.
This includes the belief that by partnering with government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare providers, we can increase awareness and understanding of the importance of health insurance and healthcare access, leading to increased demand for these services. This, in turn, creates a positive cycle where more people seeking healthcare leads to more investment in healthcare infrastructure, more innovation in healthcare delivery, and ultimately, better health outcomes for all.
To measure the impact of Mzalendo, we track various indicators, such as the number of new customers acquired, customer satisfaction ratings, insurance penetration rates, and the number of preventive care and education programs offered to members. By regularly monitoring these indicators, we can evaluate the effectiveness of our strategy and make necessary adjustments to achieve our long-term goals of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to everyone in Kenya and beyond.
One month ago, we conducted a focus group with Glovo riders, who are part of our target customers, to understand more about their financial and insurance needs. After meeting a group of 300 riders for about half a day, we found out that protecting the health of their family was both a top priority and a top-risk expense for all the riders. The riders realize that they are at a higher risk for accidents while riding and apart from the care they will receive afterwards, they are worried about the plight of their families in the event of death/disability or a healthcare emergency. At Maisha Poa, we believed that by providing a bundled offering to the riders that include an electric motorcycle in partnership with a manufacturing company that has flexible payments & a comprehensive motorcycle cover with a pension plan, an accident cover, and most importantly, a health insurance cover for their family members, we can provide a proposed solution to the problem. We have made it easy for the riders to afford premiums through flexible and automated daily/weekly deductions from their payment accounts. This will make it easier for the riders to prioritize things like health insurance, ultimately reducing the financial burden of healthcare for individuals and families and promoting better health outcomes.
Our solution is powered primarily by a combination of digital technologies, including mobile applications, cloud-based systems, and data analytics tools.
Data has always been the cornerstone of our company and we make use of advanced data analytics software to provide transparency and exceptional experiences for our clients throughout their coverage. Our focus on data enables us to offer insightful recommendations to our clients so they can make informed decisions. Our advanced data analytics capabilities also allow us to gain insights into our members' needs and preferences. By doing so, we personalize their experience by tailoring communication, offering customized services, and providing recommendations based on their health history and preferences. At Maisha Poa, we produce regular reports that highlight key comparison parameters such as the average cost of care, average visits, and trends in chronic conditions. These reports allow us to track healthcare utilization and costs while identifying areas where cost savings can be realized. This insight helps us improve our operations and enhance the member experience. We conduct an analysis of our healthcare providers to obtain information about the quality of care they provide. We use this information to identify high-performing providers and negotiate better rates with them. Additionally, we use this data to identify areas where providers may need additional support or resources to improve the quality of care they provide.
Our platform also uses mobile applications to enable our customers to seek medical consultations through our telemedicine program which enables members to access medical consultations and drug delivery remotely, hence saves time and cuts down on drug costs. The convenience of telemedicine means that people can now receive consultations from the comfort of their homes or offices, eliminating the need to physically visit the hospital.
We have also implemented a 24/7 call center and a dedicated team that is always available to assist clients, delivering seamless service that exceeds customer expectations.
We leverage innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve the quality of our insurance products and services. Through AI, we have employed automation to enhance the customer experience by streamlining business operations, ranging from underwriting to claims processing, leading to quicker issue resolution and a better overall customer experience. Through our use of automated systems, we have improved the accuracy of claims processing, fastened claim processing time, and ensured better and secure data management. Our automation includes document processing and claims workflow, which improves timeliness and accuracy, resulting in better outcomes for our clients. We continuously seek to leverage technology to provide a seamless and efficient experience for our members, ultimately leading to maisha poa.
Our flexible and automated payment plans have also contributed to poverty reduction and economic growth by enabling more people to afford health insurance.
We have digitized our case management system to improve patient care and reduce costs by coordinating and enhancing the quality of care and preventing complications caused by mismanagement.
- A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Behavioral Technology
- Big Data
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Maisha Poa has an established Diversity and Inclusion Committee that is dedicated to addressing diversity and inclusion issues within the organization. The committee is composed of members from various backgrounds and roles to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented. The committee's goal is to promote a culture of inclusivity within Maisha Poa by addressing any challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes developing and implementing policies and initiatives that ensure equal opportunities for all employees regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. The committee also provides training and resources to employees to promote understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion issues.
At Maisha Poa, we strive to promote gender balance and diversity across all levels of our organization, including our top leadership positions. We're proud to have a gender-balanced board of directors and executive team, with representation of both men and women. We are working with the LGBTQ community to develop a fund to manage their health risks that aren’t covered by traditional insurers. Additionally, one of our Directors identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone is given an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute to the company's growth and development. We believe that incorporating a range of perspectives and experiences strengthens our organization, making us better equipped to serve our clients and communities. Our gender-balanced leadership sets an example for the insurance industry, showing our dedication to advancing gender equality in the workplace.
Maisha Poa has implemented policies that support female employees, including providing 5 months of maternity leave and allowing half-day work for up to 3 months after the initial 5 months of maternity leave. These policies aim to reduce stress levels for women who are managing multiple responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly relatives while also working. By providing these benefits, Maisha Poa is able to attract and retain talented female employees and contribute to a more gender-balanced workforce.
Maisha Poa is committed to offering equal employment opportunities to all candidates regardless of their gender, race, age, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. To achieve this, the company has put in place policies and practices that ensure fairness and equality in the recruitment, selection, and promotion of employees. During the recruitment process, Maisha Poa uses job-related criteria such as education, experience, and skills to evaluate candidates. Maisha Poa also provides equal opportunities for training and development to all employees, regardless of their background or experience. The company encourages employees to take advantage of training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge, which can help them advance in their careers.
In addition, Maisha Poa has established a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. This policy applies to all employees, including managers and executives, and emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace that is free from any form of discrimination. We foster a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment where all employees feel respected and valued
Maisha Poa is a insurtech startup that is revolutionizing access, quality and financing of affordable insurance for middle and low-income workers. As a healthcare tech-startup, we partner with insurance companies to provide innovative technology solutions that enhance the insurance industry's efficiency, accessibility, and affordability. Like traditional brokerage companies, Maisha Poa works with insurers to offer a range of insurance products and services to their clients. However, Maisha Poa distinguishes itself by leveraging digital technologies to streamline the insurance process, making it faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective. By partnering with insurers, Maisha Poa aims to provide better insurance coverage to populations that may have been underserved or excluded from the insurance market, helping to improve their financial security and well-being.
Our business model centers around providing better insurance coverage to populations that may have been underserved or excluded from the insurance market, improving their financial security and well-being. We partner with healthcare providers to offer our clients access to quality healthcare services at affordable prices. Our range of health insurance plans is tailored to the specific needs of our clients, including individuals, families, and small businesses. We use digital technologies, such as mobile applications and cloud-based systems, to enhance communication with our clients and healthcare providers, as well as to automate routine tasks, such as claims processing and underwriting.
In terms of revenue, Maisha Poa earns through 3 main channels; Commisions from insurance companies, revenue share from our service providers e.g Telemedicine and Consulting fees from organisations looking to learn from us.
Our focus on digital technologies and data analytics enables us to operate more efficiently and effectively than traditional brokerage companies, resulting in higher margins. Our personalized insurance products and negotiation for better rates also attract and retain clients, leading to long-term revenue growth.
Our business model also leverages technology to streamline operations and improve the customer experience. We use digital technologies, such as mobile applications and cloud-based systems, to enhance communication with our clients and healthcare providers, as well as to automate routine tasks, such as claims processing and underwriting. This allows us to provide faster and more efficient service to our clients, while reducing costs and improving our bottom line.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
Becoming financially sustainable is crucial for our mission to increase the insurance penetration rate in Kenya to 50%, especially among underprivileged communities that have been neglected by traditional insurers.
Our plan to achieve financial sustainability is focused on expanding our customer base by targeting new segments and geographic regions, such as partnering with other businesses to offer insurance to their employees and launching new insurance products to meet diverse customer needs.
Further, we are currently exploring opportunities to increase revenues, such as offering value-added services or upselling additional insurance products to existing customers, negotiating better rates with insurance partners, and streamlining our commission structure to maximize revenue. We also plan to diversify our revenue streams beyond traditional insurance brokerage commissions, including offering consulting services to insurance companies, and partnering with other businesses to offer insurance-related services. Currently, our proprietary insurance product, Mzalendo, allows us to earn more commissions than traditional brokerage companies.
To optimize our operations and improve efficiency, we plan to automate more processes, consolidate services, and renegotiate contracts with vendors to reduce costs. We also aim to improve customer retention by offering personalized insurance products and services, excellent customer service, and leveraging data analytics to better understand customer needs and preferences.
As a company, we have been able to establish a growing customer base that is already generating revenue for us. Our sales team is consistently working towards bringing in new revenue streams to support our operations. In addition to this, we have been fortunate enough to secure two grants from Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD-K) and Swiss Capacity Building Fund (SCBF), which have been instrumental in sustaining our operations up to this point.
Looking towards the future, we are actively engaging with investors and development organizations to explore opportunities for additional funding. This will enable us to continue expanding our operations and improving our services, ultimately leading to even greater revenue generation and sustainability.

Chief Product Officer