Determinants of Microinsurance Uptake Among Small-Scale Miners in Taita Taveta County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E6/2026-03Keywords:
Microinsurance Uptake, Small-Scale Miners, Risk Vulnerability, Household Income, Insurance AwarenessAbstract
This study examined the determinants of microinsurance uptake among small-scale miners in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The research aimed to assess the influence of risk vulnerabilities, household income, and microinsurance awareness on uptake intentions. Grounded in Risk Society Theory, Affordability Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Data were collected from small-scale gemstone miners in Kasighau, Kamtonga, and Mkuki zones using structured questionnaires. A sample of 99 respondents was targeted, with 71 completed responses obtained (71.7% response rate). The survey instrument was validated through a pilot study, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha (all scales ≥ 0.70). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression in Python (statsmodels). The findings revealed that risk vulnerabilities (β = 0.372, p = 0.023) and household income (β = 0.408, p = 0.030) were statistically significant positive predictors of microinsurance uptake, while awareness showed a significant bivariate correlation but was not independently significant in the multivariate model (p = 0.681). The regression model explained 26.6% of the variance in uptake intentions. Miners demonstrated moderate uptake intentions (overall M = 3.43), with strong preference for flexible payment options (M = 4.13) and mining-specific risk coverage (M = 3.59). The study concludes that economic capacity and perceived risk exposure are the primary drivers of microinsurance uptake in this population. It offers actionable recommendations for insurers, cooperatives, and policymakers to design tailored, flexible microinsurance products to enhance financial protection for this vulnerable and underserved group.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Donald Odhiambo Oloo, Peter Misango Shibairo , Christopher Kitali Masila (Author)
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