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Marine Cargo Insurance Kenya: KRA Enforcement November 2026
KRA enforces digital marine cargo insurance from 1 November 2026. Learn the certificate requirements, iCMS checks and how to prepare your imports.
digital marine cargo insurance Kenya; KRA marine insurance requirements 2026; marine cargo insurance Mombasa; digital MCI certificate; iCMS insurance clearance
Author: Raymond Momanyi Founder&CEO Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd
Published: 23 October 2026
Marine Cargo Insurance Kenya: KRA Enforcement Starts 1 November 2026
Importers and clearing agents in Kenya need to prepare for an important customs clearance requirement.
In its public notice dated 22 October 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced enforcement of mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance from 1 November 2026, working with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
The notice requires incoming consignments to have marine cargo cover from an IRA-licensed insurer. The certificate must pass through the Digital MCI System and reach iCMS before a customs declaration is lodged. Non-compliant consignments will be blocked from clearance.
For businesses importing stock, vehicles, machinery or raw materials, this makes insurance documentation an essential part of shipment planning.
Request a marine cargo insurance quotation from Imana or WhatsApp +254796209402.
What does the November 2026 notice mean for importers?
The practical message is straightforward: organise your cover and confirm the digital certificate status before your clearing agent submits the customs declaration.
A policy document or payment receipt alone does not establish that the required certificate has reached the customs system. Coordinate with your insurer and clearing agent to confirm completion of the digital process.
The notice concerns enforcement following earlier notices. Businesses should therefore avoid interpreting 1 November as the date marine cargo insurance was first introduced in Kenya.
What is Digital Marine Cargo Insurance?
Marine cargo insurance is cover arranged for goods in transit, subject to the policy's terms, insured journey and exclusions.
The digital process connects insurance certificate issuance with customs processing. IRA's acquisition guidance identifies licensed insurers, IRA, KRA's customs system, eCitizen and the payment gateway as participants in that process.
The insurer provides the insurance cover. The digital certificate supplies the information needed for the customs insurance check. Importers should pay attention to both the protection purchased and the certificate's successful processing.
Who should prepare?
The KRA notice addresses importers and clearing agents and refers to all incoming consignments into Kenya.
Businesses that should review their arrangements include vehicle importers, wholesalers, manufacturers, machinery suppliers, retailers and companies importing goods for their own use.
This is relevant to businesses coordinating imports through Mombasa and businesses based in Nairobi, Westlands, Industrial Area, Eastleigh, Athi River and other commercial centres. An importer's office location does not replace the need to check the consignment's customs requirements.
For transit cargo, temporary imports or another special customs arrangement, obtain confirmation from KRA and your clearing agent about the treatment of your specific consignment.
How to prepare your shipment for clearance
1. Gather accurate shipment information
Have your commercial invoice, cargo description, shipment value, origin, destination and expected shipment dates ready.
Depending on the shipment and insurer, you may also be asked for a packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, importer identification, KRA PIN and relevant import references.
This is a preparation checklist; the insurer and clearing agent should confirm the exact documents required.
2. Request a quotation before the journey begins
Ask an IRA-licensed insurer, directly or through an insurance intermediary, to assess your shipment and quote the appropriate cover.
Explain what you are importing, how it is packed, its value and where the insured journey should end. Arrange protection before the insured transit begins rather than assuming a policy can cover an earlier loss.
3. Review the cover, then follow the approved issuance process
Check the insured value, excess, covered risks, exclusions and transit limits before accepting the quotation.
Follow the insurer's current digital application and payment instructions. IRA has published an official acquisition procedure; use that guidance rather than relying on an unofficial payment link or an outdated screenshot.
4. Confirm the certificate has reached iCMS
Before the customs declaration is lodged, ask your insurer and clearing agent to confirm successful certificate transmission.
If the certificate cannot be located or validated, resolve the issue with the relevant parties before proceeding. A saved PDF should not be treated as proof of successful system transmission.
For related guidance, read how to obtain a digital marine cargo insurance certificate in Kenya.
What happens if your shipment does not comply?
KRA states that non-compliant consignments will be blocked from customs clearance.
For a business, a clearance delay may also mean missed deliveries, interrupted production or additional storage-related costs, depending on the shipment and contractual arrangements. These are possible commercial consequences, not additional penalties specified in the notice.
Agree on responsibility early: who arranges the insurance, who follows up on the digital certificate and who confirms readiness to lodge the declaration.
Does insurance arranged by an overseas supplier satisfy the requirement?
Do not assume that a supplier's overseas insurance policy completes Kenya's digital clearance requirements.
The notice specifically calls for cover issued by an IRA-licensed insurer and a certificate processed through the designated digital system.
If your purchase price includes insurance, ask your supplier, insurer and clearing agent to review the arrangement before shipment. Confirm how the Kenyan requirement will be met and how any existing cover interacts with the proposed policy.
How much does marine cargo insurance cost in Kenya?
The enforcement notice does not set one universal premium.
Request a quotation based on your cargo, its value, route, packing, transport arrangements and required protection. Ask the insurer to explain its valuation basis and any applicable minimum premium, charges or excess.
When comparing quotations, compare the scope of cover as well as the price. A lower premium may come with different conditions or a narrower insured journey.
Compare marine cargo insurance quotations with Imana.
Questions to ask before buying cover
Use the quotation stage to clarify the protection your business needs:
- What loss or damage does the policy cover?
- When does the insured journey begin and end?
- Is onward delivery to my premises included?
- What excess would I pay after an insured loss?
- What exclusions apply to my cargo or packing?
- Who will coordinate the digital certificate?
- What documents and reporting steps are required for a claim?
Do not assume that every policy covers every risk or automatically extends from the overseas supplier's warehouse to your premises. Ask for the agreed terms in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is marine cargo insurance mandatory for imports into Kenya?
KRA's 22 October 2026 notice directs importers and clearing agents to ensure incoming consignments comply with the local digital marine cargo insurance requirements, with enforcement effective 1 November 2026.
Can cargo be cleared using a paper insurance certificate alone?
The notice requires digital processing and successful transmission to iCMS before declaration lodgement. A paper certificate alone does not demonstrate completion of those steps.
Who issues the insurance policy?
An IRA-licensed insurer issues the cover. An insurance intermediary can assist with quotations, explaining the proposed cover and coordinating with the insurer.
What if I have already paid but my certificate is missing from iCMS?
Contact the insurer and clearing agent promptly to investigate the certificate status and shipment details. Keep the payment reference and policy information available for follow-up.
Does the notice specify a fine?
The stated consequence is that non-compliant consignments will be blocked from clearance. The notice does not specify a monetary fine.
Can Imana help importers outside Nairobi?
You can contact Imana remotely for a quotation and assistance with your shipment's insurance requirements. Share the cargo details and destination so the proposed insurer can assess the risk.
Arrange marine cargo insurance with Imana
Preparing early gives your business time to review cover, correct shipment details and coordinate certificate processing before the customs declaration.
Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd can assist with marine cargo insurance quotations and coordination with the proposed insurer.
Request a Marine Cargo Insurance Quote
Call/WhatsApp: +254796209402
Office: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
Websites: imanainsurance.com | imana.co.ke | mykava.co.ke
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Official sources
- KRA: Enforcement of Marine Cargo Insurance — public notice dated 22 October 2026
- IRA: Enforcement of Local Marine Cargo for All Importers
- IRA: Procedure for Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Acquisition
Information checked on 23 October 2026. For shipment-specific customs treatment and current processing instructions, confirm with KRA, your insurer and your clearing agent.