The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that it will stop clearing imports without a digital marine cargo insurance certificate from November 1, 2026. This move is in line with a rule that has been in existence since 2017 but has not been strictly enforced. The KRA, in a notice issued with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), stated that all incoming consignments must have a policy from an IRA-licensed insurer.
Importers and clearing agents are now required to secure insurance before lodging a customs declaration. The certificate must be processed through the Digital MCI System and reach KRA's iCMS platform. Consignments that do not meet this requirement will be blocked from clearance. This change aims to ensure that marine premiums remain within the country and strengthen local insurers.
Kenya has had a local-cover policy in place since January 1, 2017, with the legal backing in section 16A of the Marine Insurance Act. However, compliance has been low due to KRA's continued clearance of goods insured abroad. The IRA and KRA had announced strict enforcement from February 14, 2025, but the push lost momentum due to technical problems with the digital platform.
The IRA issued a fresh directive on May 22, 2026, setting July 1 as the start of digital enforcement. However, the latest KRA notice fixes November 1 as the enforcement date. The notice applies to all incoming consignments, but the statute is narrower in wording, referring to persons with an insurable interest in imported goods.
The enforcement of local marine insurance is expected to give customs a verified record of imports. The KRA notice does not outline wider consequences, but a platform hitch could delay cargo already at the port. Importers may need to review supply contracts where suppliers arrange cover abroad.
Clearing agents, who lodge declarations, are likely to carry much of the practical load in ensuring compliance with the new regulations. The change is aimed at keeping marine premiums inside the country and strengthening local insurers. The IRA and KRA are working together to ensure a smooth implementation of the new regulations.
The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on importers and clearing agents. They will need to ensure that all imports have a digital marine cargo insurance certificate from an IRA-licensed insurer. The KRA and IRA are working to address technical issues and ensure that the digital platform is ready for the November 1 enforcement date.
Key points
- The KRA will block imports without a digital marine cargo insurance certificate from November 1, 2026.
- The new regulations aim to keep marine premiums inside Kenya and strengthen local insurers.
- Importers and clearing agents must secure insurance before lodging a customs declaration.
