Data Plus, a groundbreaking collaboration between Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications giant, and Britam, a renowned financial services group, is poised to reshape the insurance landscape in the country.

The collaboration offers an enticing package, combining affordable data bundles, free Google Maps, and a daily personal accident insurance cover, available for as little as Sh25 daily. 

Evah Kimani, Britam's Director of Partnerships and Digital, expressed her excitement about this groundbreaking partnership.

"We are delighted to partner with Safaricom, to offer customers innovative and affordable insurance solutions that safeguard their dreams and aspirations. Through this partnership, we aim to reach out to millions of Kenyans who do not have access to insurance protection against various risks that can affect their livelihoods and well-being," Kimani stated.

Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, emphasized their commitment to narrowing the digital divide, stating, "Safaricom remains keen on bridging the digital divide, and we do this by availing affordable data bundles and 4G devices, which empower Kenyans to leverage our extensive network coverage and enjoy the transformative power of the internet."

Evah Kimani (L), Director of Partnerships and Digital at Britam, along with Gideon Karimi (R), Head of Mobile Data at Safaricom, guides David Odhiambo, a boda boda rider, through the registration process for the Data Plus bundles while explaining the associated benefits. PHOTO/COURTESY

In a country where insurance coverage remains largely underutilized, Data Plus represents a significant departure from the norm.

For as little as Sh25 daily, subscribers can access a 100MB data bundle alongside a daily insurance benefit of Sh15,000 for medical expenses, Sh50,000 for accidental permanent total disability, and Sh50,000 for funeral expenses in the unfortunate event of accidental death.

For Sh55 daily, users can upgrade to a 300MB data bundle while retaining the same insurance benefits.

Those with greater data needs can opt for the Sh110 daily plan, offering a 1GB data bundle along with enhanced daily insurance benefits of Sh30,000 for medical expenses, Sh100,000 for accidental permanent total disability, and Sh100,000 for funeral expenses in case of accidental death.

The most data-hungry customers can avail themselves of the 1.8GB data bundle, available at Sh150 daily, with the same comprehensive insurance coverage.

Data Plus is not limited to a specific customer segment; it is accessible to all prepay, individual hybrid, and individual post-pay Safaricom customers.

Subscribing to the plan is a seamless process, allowing users to select their preferred bundle and complete payments through Airtime or M-PESA via the Safaricom App or USSD *544#. Once subscribed, customers receive a confirmation notification from Britam, confirming their insurance coverage.

The claims process for this insurance cover is designed with user convenience in mind.

Customers can initiate a claim through USSD *544# under option 9 – Data Plus and select option 5 – make a claim. Alternatively, claims can be submitted via Britam's WhatsApp chatbot at 0793304927.

According to Safaricom's statement, all valid claims will be processed within five working days upon receipt of all necessary documentation, with benefits disbursed to the mobile number linked to the bundle. The Accidental Death benefit will be paid to the designated beneficiary.

"All valid claims will be processed within 5 working days upon receipt of all necessary documentation, with benefits disbursed to the mobile number linked to the bundle," the statement read.

Data Plus represents a transformative leap in making insurance accessible to the masses while catering to the increasing data needs of Kenyan citizens.

Safaricom and Britam's collaboration underscores their unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being and security of their valued customers.