Employee safety and welfare are not just ethical responsibilities for employers in Kenya, they are also legal obligations. The Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) requires all employers to compensate employees for injuries or death arising out of and in the course of employment. To enhance this statutory protection, many employers combine WIBA with Group Personal Accident (GPA) cover, commonly referred to as GPA WIBA.
This guide explains how WIBA works, why GPA is added, how claims are handled, and what employers must do to remain compliant.
Understanding the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA)
The Work Injury Benefits Act, 2007 is Kenyan legislation designed to provide compensation to employees who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases, or death. It replaced the old Workmen’s Compensation Act and shifted claims administration from courts to the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS).
Important: WIBA is mandatory. Failure to provide WIBA cover can result in penalties, legal liability, and direct compensation claims against the employer.What Does WIBA Cover?
- Accidental injuries sustained during the course of work
- Occupational diseases arising from work conditions
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Death resulting from work-related accidents
- Medical expenses related to workplace injuries
- Rehabilitation costs where applicable
WIBA Compensation Structure
Compensation under WIBA is calculated based on an employee’s monthly earnings and the degree of injury:
| Injury / Outcome | Compensation Basis |
|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disablement | 75% of monthly earnings (subject to statutory limits) |
| Permanent Partial Disablement | Percentage of earnings based on degree of disability |
| Permanent Total Disablement | Monthly earnings × statutory factor |
| Death | Compensation paid to dependents + funeral expenses |
Limitations of WIBA
While WIBA is essential, it has limitations:
- Only covers accidents arising in the course of employment
- Compensation amounts are capped by law
- No cover for non-work-related accidents
- Claims process can be lengthy if documentation is incomplete
This is where Group Personal Accident (GPA) becomes valuable.
What is Group Personal Accident (GPA) Insurance?
GPA is an employer-purchased policy that provides lump-sum compensation to employees in the event of accidental injury, disability, or death, whether the accident occurs at work or outside work (depending on policy terms).
Unlike WIBA, GPA benefits are contractual and can be customized based on the employer’s needs.
What is GPA WIBA (Combined Cover)?
GPA WIBA is a bundled insurance solution that integrates statutory WIBA cover with enhanced GPA benefits. It ensures:
- Compliance with Kenyan labour laws
- Higher compensation beyond statutory WIBA limits
- Coverage for non-work-related accidents
- Faster and simpler claims settlement
WIBA vs GPA – Key Differences
| Aspect | WIBA | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Requirement | Mandatory | Optional |
| Coverage Scope | Work-related accidents only | Work & non-work accidents |
| Compensation Limits | Statutory limits | Customizable sums insured |
| Claims Authority | DOSHS | Insurance Company |
Who Needs WIBA + GPA?
This combined cover is especially important for:
- Construction and manufacturing companies
- Transport and logistics firms
- Security companies
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Cleaning, maintenance, and casual labour employers
WIBA & GPA Claims Process
- Accident occurs and is reported immediately
- Employee receives medical treatment
- Employer notifies insurer and DOSHS (for WIBA)
- Medical assessment and documentation submitted
- Compensation calculated and paid
Final Thoughts
WIBA insurance is not optional, it is a legal requirement for all employers in Kenya. However, relying on WIBA alone may expose both employees and employers to financial gaps. By combining WIBA with GPA, businesses ensure stronger employee protection, faster claims settlement, and reduced legal risk.
GPA WIBA is not just insurance, it is smart workforce risk management.
Learn More About WIBA & GPA WIBA
Explore how GPA WIBA can protect your employees while keeping your business compliant:
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