Directline Assurance Company Ltd, one of the leading insurers of public service vehicles (PSVs) in Kenya, announced on Wednesday that it will require all its PSV policyholders to implement a cashless fare payment system and a digital passenger manifest from next month.
The company said in a circular to its intermediaries, brokers, agents and policyholders that the move is aimed at improving the verification of claimants after accidents and enhancing the process of injury claims management.
The company assumes third party risks as governed by CAP 405 Laws of Kenya for PSVs, which include buses, matatus, taxis and motorcycles that transport passengers for a fee.
“The company requires PSV policyholders to implement a digital passenger manifest for verification of claimants after the occurrence of accidents. This will enhance the process of injury claims management as well as adequately respond to the timelines being applied in the Small Claims Court,” the circular read.
The Small Claims Court, established in 2016, handles civil cases involving claims not exceeding KES 1 million.
The company said it will provide the technology for the consolidation of the digital passenger manifest, which will be put in operation through cashless fare payment.
“All public service vehicles to be insured by the company will be required to register with a Cashless Passenger Manifest system. The company will provide the technology for the consolidation of the same. This will be put in operation through digital fare payment,” the circular stated.
The company added that from Feb. 1, 2024, it will only issue policies to PSV vehicles that have a registered digital payment method from any of the payment gateways available in the country, such as Mpesa Till, a mobile money service that allows customers to pay for goods and services using their phones.
The cashless fare payment system and the digital passenger manifest are expected to reduce fraud, corruption and tax evasion in the PSV sector, which has been plagued by these challenges for years.
