Nairobi, Aug. 4 -- Kenyans spent Sh2.04 billion on insurance for crops and livestock, including cattle, maize, poultry, trees, and dogs, last year, nearly doubling uptake and signalling a growing appetite for protection against mounting climate risks.

Data from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) shows that last year's agricultural insurance premiums was a rise from Sh1.2 billion the previous year, underlining the fast-growing uptake of cover linked to farming activities.

The sharp rise reflects a changing mindset in a country where insurance has traditionally been limited to motor, medical and property covers.

Increasingly, farmers are insuring a wide range of assets, from cattle and poultry to more unconventional items such as c...