INTERNSHIP STUDENTS URGED TO TAKE PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER

Students on internship have been urged to take up a personal accident cover to cushion themselves against expenses that may arise due to an accident during an internship or industrial attachment. “Unpredictable and unfortunate incidents occur in the workplace. The comprehensive cover is meant to provide much-needed financial aid in the event of injury, disability, or death caused by accidents,” said CIC General Manager Marketing and Customer Experience, Mr. Joseph Kamiri while attending the Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya (AIBK) annual regional conference held at the Leisure Lodge Resort in Diani.

He added:  “Accidents occur during internship training and the personal accident cover steps in to cushion students against expenses that may arise. This gives the employer and the student practising confidence as they focus on improving capabilities in the job market.  It also ensures that the internship process is successful as the job market receives individuals skilled in their areas of learning which increases their chances of gaining employment.”

According to the 2019 Kenya National Census, at least 5.3 million youth or 38.9 percent of the 13,777,600 young Kenyans are jobless. This number might have grown significantly considering the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent tough economic times. Given this background, more training opportunities are required for individuals preparing to join the job market in order to gain the necessary skills for employment.

The personal accident cover assists in case of an accident in a business environment or institution where the student is under internship. The customer, who in this case is the student, has insurance coverage in case of permanent total disability, accident related medical expense, recommended artificial appliances, death and funeral expenses. The product has been designed to be affordable and within reach. A student is required to pay at least Kshs.  350 for the three months during internship. To increase access to services, CIC Group has made the product accessible in all its 25 branches across the country, as well as technology platforms such as the website where the cover can be purchased fully, making it convenient for the customer. According to the 2022 IRA half year report, gross premium income for general insurance business amounted to Kshs. 92 billion. Local insurers continue to enjoy support from brokers who focus on different markets including the education sector.