• By Raymond Momanyi

How Kevin Can Claim for Bodily Injuries Under COMESA in Kenya

Kevin, a Kenyan citizen residing in Nairobi, was hit in Nairobi CBD by a Ugandan-registered vehicle insured in Uganda and covered under the COMESA Yellow Card Scheme. 

Here’s what that means — and how he can pursue compensation.  

Who Handles the Claim in Kenya?

 
When a foreign-registered vehicle causes an accident in Kenya and has a valid COMESA Yellow Card, the injury claim is handled locally in Kenya — not Uganda.
 
The responsible framework is the:
 
COMESA Yellow Card Scheme
 
In Kenya, it operates through the: Kenya National Bureau
 
The Kenya National Bureau is managed by: Kenya Reinsurance Corporation
 
They act on behalf of the Ugandan insurer to process compensation for third parties like Kevin.

So Kevin does not chase the Ugandan insurer directly — the Kenya National Bureau (under Kenya Re) becomes the local handler of the claim.
 
 

Step-by-Step: How Kevin Claims for Bodily Injuries

1. Obtain the Police Abstract

 
Kevin must secure:

• Police Abstract
• OB Number
• Confirmation of the Ugandan vehicle
• Indication of fault (if available)

This document anchors the claim.
 

2. Confirm COMESA Yellow Card Validity

 
The vehicle must have had:

• A valid COMESA Yellow Card
• Active cover on the accident date

Verification is done through police records and the Kenya National Bureau.
  

3. Seek Treatment & Gather Medical Evidence

 
Documentation builds the value of the claim. Kevin should keep:

• Treatment notes & discharge summary
• P3 Form
• Medical report
• Receipts & bills
• X-rays / scans
• Future treatment prognosis

No records, no strong claim.
  

4. Issue Demand Through an Advocate

 
A lawyer prepares and serves a demand letter to the Kenya National Bureau with:

• Medical evidence
• Police abstract
• Proof of negligence

5. File Suit in a Kenyan Court

 
Most COMESA bodily injury claims proceed through court:

1. Suit filed in Kenya
2. Kenya National Bureau defends on behalf of Ugandan insurer
3. Medical evidence evaluated
4. Court determines compensation
5. Payment processed through COMESA system

What Kevin May Be Compensated For

 
Depending on injury severity:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses (past & future)
• Loss of income / earning ability
• Permanent disability
• Emotional trauma (in some cases)

Critical Legal Points

 
Time Limit: Injury claims must be filed within 3 years in Kenya.
Scope: COMESA covers third-party victims only.
Reality: Court process may take time — patience + proper documentation wins.
 

The Journey in One Line

 
Accident → Police Abstract → Medical Evidence → Demand → Court → Judgment → Compensation via Kenya National Bureau (Kenya Re)
 
 

Need Guidance or Claim Support?

 
If someone like Kevin needs structured help — documentation, claim direction, or professional follow-up — reach out:
 
🌐 Website: www.imana.co.ke
📧 Email: insurance@imana.co.ke
📱 WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402
📍 Office: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi