By Ramadhan Rajab
Players in the tourism industry are set to benefit from the new insurance cover that targets safari operators and camp owners.
The risk mitigation policy, from the Lion of Kenya Insurance Company, was unveiled yesterday in Nairobi, making Kenya the first in the region, and second after South Africa, to have a policy that protects players in the tourism operators from liabilities.
Lion of Kenya’s Assistant General Manager for Operations, Charles Njoroge, said the policy dubbed ‘Simba Safari cover’ is designed to cushion Safari Operators from the risks they face in the various tourist activities.
"The uniqueness of this from the local policies is that a claimant can sue from anywhere on earth, and we will handle the case and compensate on behalf of our clients," Njoroge told The Standard.
The insurance scheme, which the company is rolling out in collaboration with underwriting agency, Lloyds of London, has liability limits of over Sh380 million ($5 million).
The policy is tailored to cover operations against liabilities arising from game drives (day and night), professional hunting, tracking, boating, mountain biking, archery, diving, snorkeling, caving walking, camel, horse safaris and products liabilities, especially from food and drinks.
It covers against clients’ claims for death, bodily injury and illness, including claimant’s cost, fees and expenses, in respect of clients in the custody and care of the insured whilst in the camps, surrounding areas and on transit or safari.
Currently most covers are limited to emergency medical evacuation only.
The premium for this insurance, Njoroge said, starts with a minimum of 1000 bed nights, and rates will vary, depending on structure of the policy based on various options available. According to players in the tourism industry, the policy, if bought by operators, will win tourists confidence in Kenya as the preferred tourism destination. The package will be especially attractive to tourists from the European Union, who are particular with their safety assurance.
Shoulder costs
Kenya Wildlife Service director, Julius Kipng’etich, said the cover will help operators shoulder costs arising from claims made by tourists, incase of massive injuries.
"Safeguards in this industry are crucial, given that we deal with nature based business, where you cannot predict most situations. But if you have a place to fall back in the case of any eventualities, we cut risks, and win the trusts of our guests that incase mishaps, the risks will be catered for fast," Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) Chief Executive officer (CEO), Mrs Agatha Juma said.
