The tourism sector is set to have a broader choice of insurance products from tomorrow when a local brokerage firm launches solutions it hopes will give investors confidence to venture into the sector.

Eagle Africa Insurance Brokers has finalised plans for the launch of a policy that will cover risks to the tune of Sh70 billion and offset motor passenger liabilities for up to Sh1.4 billion. As a break from the past, the claims can be lodged from anywhere in the world.

The company says the product is meant to increase Kenya's tourism competitiveness and increase the number of tourists coming to Kenya. The product includes medical and evacuation services.

Managing Director Sam Ncheeri said the product was motivated by concerns over high exposure faced by travel agents and tour operators.

Eagle Africa also plans to launch the product in Nanyuki soon to the ranch owners. The product will have international jurisdiction which is different from most products offered here which have only local jurisdiction.

Although the premiums of the product will be denominated in foreign currency (United States dollars) Ncheeri said that there will be no foreign exchange restrictions on how those premiums will be paid.

The company has already taken the services of a local underwriter although the bulk of underwriting will be done offshore of the sums involved. Ncheeri declined to reveal the name of the local underwriters.

Eagle Africa is also partnering with a South African company called Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB).

Ms Ann Kanini of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said most tourists come to Kenya when they already have insurance covers from their countries or origin. Otherwise, tour companies usually take a product that covers a tourist for 14 days because the average time of a tourist staying in Kenya is about eight days.