Motorists have been warned against using fake vehicle insurance certificates after the government launched a joint enforcement operation to crack down on insurance fraud.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), jointly with the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit (IFIU), announced that the exercise targets fraudulent insurance covers that it said put motorists and other road users at risk.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 17, IRA said fake insurance certificates expose vehicle owners to serious financial and legal consequences, especially in the event of road accidents where claims cannot be honoured.

"Fake motor insurance certificates put everyone at risk. That's why the Insurance Regulatory Authority and the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit (IFIU) are conducting a joint enforcement and awareness drive across key highways," IRA stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

As part of the exercise, IRA officials are engaging motorists, matatu owners, SACCOs and traffic police officers to identify fraudulent insurance covers and educate the public on how to verify genuine policies.

The first round of the crackdown was conducted along major highways and towns in Machakos, Kitui and Garissa counties

The Authority noted that many motorists unknowingly purchase fake insurance certificates from fraudsters posing as legitimate agents, only to discover the problem after accidents.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over insurance fraud in the country, with the government seeking to ensure all vehicles on the roads have valid insurance coverage.

The IRA has urged motorists to stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of their insurance policies, advising them to obtain cover only from licensed insurers.

In a similar crackdown in June last year, a coordinated operation in Central Kenya uncovered 27 cases of fake insurance documents, with several suspects arrested and charged in court.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke