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Chamasure

Group-based microinsurance for Kenya's informal economy

Distribution & Sales Startup Bootstrapped
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Overview

Chamasure is a microinsurance distribution platform for consumers in Kenya, focused on health, funeral, and savings products for members of informal savings groups (chamas, VSLAs, and cooperatives). The platform targets underserved segments of Kenya's informal economy -- traders, farmers, and community groups -- that lack access to traditional insurance distribution channels.

The platform delivers a SaaS model where group administrators enroll members, collect premium contributions via M-Pesa, and manage claims through a digital dashboard. A USSD fallback ensures accessibility for members without smartphones. Underwriting is provided by Micro Insurance Company (MIC), with Chamasure handling group administration, distribution, and digital infrastructure. Products include funeral cover (KES 99/month), group health coverage, a monthly pension plan, and stock loss protection for market traders.

Founded in 2020, Chamasure has grown to serve 200+ active group accounts with 100,000+ enrolled members across Kenya. The company received a KES 1.25M grant through the Insurance Regulatory Authority's Bima Lab Accelerator Program in 2021, which recognized its approach to expanding insurance access in underserved markets.

Products & Services

Group Funeral Cover

Entry-level microinsurance product priced at KES 99/month (approximately USD 0.80) offering up to KES 200,000 (USD 1,540) in coverage with 48-hour claims payouts.

Key Features

  • Mobile-first enrollment via Android app or USSD
  • Premium payment via M-Pesa
  • 48-hour guaranteed claims payout
  • Designed for informal savings groups of any size

Target Users: Chama members, VSLAs, community welfare groups

Group Health Microinsurance

Outpatient and inpatient medical coverage for groups of 10 or more members, with access to an 800+ hospital network across Kenya.

Key Features

  • Primary care and specialist coverage
  • Inpatient hospitalization included
  • Group rates reduce per-member cost
  • Accessible to informal sector workers without employer coverage

Target Users: Trader associations, market vendor groups, agricultural cooperatives

Monthly Pension Plan

Group retirement savings product at KES 500/month (USD 3.80) enabling informal savings groups to accumulate collective retirement funds with peer-managed governance.

Key Features

  • Pooled retirement savings with group accountability
  • Flexible accumulation and withdrawal mechanics
  • Suited to workers without formal employer pension plans

Target Users: Informal sector workers, savings group members

Stock Loss / Trader Cover

Commercial microinsurance for market groups and traders protecting against fire, theft, and inventory loss.

Key Features

  • Covers stock and inventory for informal market traders
  • Simplified claims documentation suited to informal businesses
  • Group pricing reduces individual premiums

Target Users: Market vendor groups, trader associations, cooperative members

At a Glance

Founded
2020
Headquarters
Nairobi, Kenya
Employees
1-10
Funding
Bootstrapped

Category & Focus

Category
Distribution & Sales
Subcategories
Embedded Insurance Digital Storefront Microinsurance
Insurance Verticals
Health Group Benefits Specialty/E&S
Target Customers
Consumers

Customers

  • Umoja Women's Chama (Nairobi) -- women's savings group
  • Kisii Traders Welfare Group -- regional trader association
  • Mama Mboga Group (Gikomba market) -- Nairobi vegetable market vendors
  • Mombasa Port Sacco -- port workers cooperative
  • Eldoret Farmers Cooperative -- agricultural producers group

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Last updated: 2026-06-25