Comparison · Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Work-injury cover for employers: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Kenya and Uganda require employers to buy work-injury insurance (WIBA s.7; Workers Compensation Act s.18). Tanzania uses a public fund: employers pay the WCF 0.5% of gross earnings. In Ethiopia the employer is liable regardless of fault, up to five times annual wages for death or total disablement.
Side by side
| System | Employer's duty | If you don't comply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Private insurance (WIBA) | Obtain and maintain an insurance policy (s.7) | Up to KES 100,000 and/or 3 months, + KES 10,000 a day |
| Uganda | Private insurance | Insure and keep insured (s.18) | 10, 20, then 150 currency points and/or 12 months (1 point = UGX 20,000) |
| Tanzania | Public fund (WCF) | Pay 0.5% of employees' gross earnings | 2% interest on late payment |
| Ethiopia | Employer liability | Pay benefits regardless of fault (Art. 96) | 5× annual wages for death or total disablement |
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Frequently asked questions
Is work-injury insurance compulsory in Kenya?
Yes. Section 7 of the Work Injury Benefits Act requires every employer to obtain and maintain an insurance policy.