By Wilfred Mutuku
El Niño is once again dominating news headlines, social media feeds and everyday conversations. For many people, however, the term brings neither reassuring memories nor comforting expectations.
El Niño is terror – drought on one side, floods on the other. It is the true meaning of a perfect storm, bringing severe and contrasting conditions that create a powerful combination of risks over which we have little control.
So, we must prepare for its impact, which may include property damage, personal injury, and disruption to business or travel plans.
Many of us will stock up on essential food supplies and first-aid kits, clear drains around our homes, and check that backup power systems are working. These are all sensible precautions—but financial preparedness deserves equal attention.
A flooded house, for example, could mean replacing furniture, electronics, clothing and other valuables that took years to acquire. Strong winds can leave roofs damaged and windows shattered overnight. A Domestic Package Insurance Policy helps soften that financial blow by covering your home and belongings against insured risks. Believe it or not, this form of insurance will help you to recover faster instead of starting from scratch when you need it most.
Beyond the home, heavy rain can make roads more hazardous and increase the risk of accidents. Against this reality, a Personal Accident Insurance Policy is an important financial protection to have in the event an accident results in injury, disability or even loss of life.
Then there is travel, which severe weather can completely disrupt, quickly derailing your plans through flight cancellations or lost luggage. A Travel Insurance Policy helps protect you from such disruptions by covering eligible costs associated with delays, cancellations, emergency medical treatment and other unforeseen events.
That said, insurance cannot stop the rain from falling, prevent floods or calm strong winds. It can, however, provide financial support to help you rebuild and move forward after the storm. In uncertain times, that confidence—and the peace of mind it brings—can be among your most valuable protections.
The author is the Head of Distribution & Marketing at MUA Insurance Kenya.
