Kenya Diaspora Alliance Champions New Medical Cover for Kenyans Abroad

• Partnership with Kenbright, Jubilee, and Bupa Global Set to Transform Healthcare Access for Diaspora Families

Nairobi, Kenya — October 27, 2025- The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) has taken a bold step toward improving the welfare of Kenyans living abroad through the launch of two groundbreaking medical insurance products designed specifically for the diaspora community. The initiative, implemented in partnership with Kenbright Insurance Brokers, Jubilee Health Insurance, and Bupa Global, seeks to ease the burden of healthcare costs for Kenyans living and working overseas and their families back home.

The announcement comes just ahead of the 12th Annual International Homecoming Conference, an event that brings together diaspora members, investors, NGOs, and government representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment across borders.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Shem Ochwodho, Chairperson of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance and Co-President of the Africa Diaspora Alliance (KDA), underscored the central role the diaspora plays in Africa’s development. He described the diaspora community as the continent’s “untapped goldmine,” highlighting their immense economic power and influence.

“The diaspora remits close to 700 billion dollars annually into Africa, according to the African Development Bank,” said Dr. Ochwodho. “Of that, between 3 to 5 billion dollars flows into Kenya alone  more than twice the value of all foreign direct investments and three times all development assistance combined.”

Despite this enormous contribution, Dr. Ochwodho noted that only 5% of diaspora wealth finds its way back to the continent. To change this, KDA is working to build pathways that will allow a greater share of diaspora income to be invested in Africa.

“Our goal is to double remittances within the next five years,” he explained. “Even if we increase it by another five percent, that would represent billions more in capital returning to Kenya and Africa. For that to happen, we must make it easier and safer for diaspora families to live, invest, and stay connected with home and healthcare is a big part of that equation.”

Dr. Ochwodho emphasized that health and bereavement concerns are among the most significant challenges faced by diaspora families, often causing emotional and financial strain. To address this, KDA has been running a Last Expense Program in collaboration with Absa Bank for the past three years. For as little as $100 annually, the plan covers up to ten family members, paying out KSh 500,000 within 48 hours in the event of death.

“We have seen families in Sweden, Norway, and across the world benefit from this initiative,” said Ochwodho. “Now, we are expanding this success to a full medical insurance program, so that diaspora families can access quality healthcare both abroad and at home.”

The new Diaspora Medical Scheme, developed with the coordination of Kenbright Insurance Brokers, integrates local and international health coverage. Kenbright’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Actuary, Ezekiel Macharia, explained that the program ensures seamless access to medical care through partnerships with Jubilee Health and Bupa International.

“Kenbright’s role is to coordinate between local and international insurers to ensure that Kenyans abroad and their families receive consistent, reliable health coverage,” said Macharia.

Jubilee Health Insurance will provide the local coverage for family members in Kenya, offering access to over 4,000 hospitals nationwide. CEO Njeri Jomo said the partnership will significantly reduce the financial strain that diaspora members face when paying for family medical emergencies.

“Every month, Kenyans abroad send home billions of shillings, much of it for healthcare,” said Jomo. “This medical plan will allow them to care for their loved ones without the constant worry of emergency costs. It’s about preserving family dignity and ensuring continuity of care.”

Bupa Global, the world’s leading international health insurer and now the first to be licensed directly in Kenya, will cover the international component. The company’s Principal Officer in Kenya said the partnership aligns with Bupa’s mission of helping people live “longer, healthier, and happier lives.”

“This initiative perfectly reflects our purpose,” the official noted. “It combines Bupa’s global medical expertise with Kenya’s strong healthcare infrastructure to deliver trusted, high-quality coverage for Kenyans everywhere.”

Bupa also expressed confidence in Kenya’s potential to become a regional hub for medical excellence, citing its maturing healthcare sector and sound regulatory framework.

As the countdown begins for the Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention, set for December 9–11, 2025, Dr. Ochwodho reaffirmed KDA’s vision:

“When we remove the burden of health and loss from our people, we empower them to invest more boldly in Kenya’s future. This is more than an insurance product  it’s a bridge connecting Kenyans abroad to their roots, their families, and their homeland.”