The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will block imported consignments from customs clearance from November 1, 2026, unless they carry valid digital marine cargo insurance (MCI), according to a public notice dated October 22. Importers and clearing agents must buy cover from an insurer licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) and have the certificate transmitted to KRA’s customs system before lodging a declaration.
By the 254.ke Newsroom. Updated October 23, 2026.
What does KRA’s digital marine cargo insurance rule require?
KRA said it is enforcing the requirement together with the IRA, following earlier notices on mandatory marine cargo insurance. It applies to all goods entering the country, and the burden falls on importers and their clearing agents.
- Effective date: November 1, 2026.
- Who must comply: importers and clearing agents.
- Insurer: the policy must be issued by an IRA-licensed insurer.
- Process: the insurance certificate must be processed through the Digital MCI System.
- Customs link: the certificate must be successfully transmitted to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before the customs declaration is lodged.
- Consequence: consignments that fail the requirements will not be cleared.
What happens to cargo without valid cover?
“Consignments failing to meet these requirements will be blocked from clearance,” KRA said, urging stakeholders to comply “to prevent trade disruptions.” In practice, a container without a certificate recorded in iCMS cannot move through the declaration stage, which can mean storage charges while the paperwork is fixed.
Neither the notice as reported nor the coverage reviewed for this article states a minimum level of cover or a separate fine for importers.
Why does the order of steps matter?
The key change is sequencing. The insurance certificate has to reach iCMS first, and only then can the declaration be lodged. Clearing agents who usually lodge declarations while documents are still being finalised will need the insurance step done earlier.
Where can importers get guidance?
KRA directed affected parties to the Insurance Regulatory Authority’s website for guidance on enforcement of local marine cargo insurance for imports. Official notices are also posted on the KRA website.
Separately, KRA is also phasing out government-owned electronic cargo tracking seals, with the transition reported as due to finish on October 26, a different measure from the insurance rule.
Frequently asked questions
When does mandatory marine cargo insurance start in Kenya?
November 1, 2026, per KRA’s October 22 public notice.
Who can issue the insurance?
Only insurers licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority, according to the notice.
Does it apply to every import?
KRA said it covers all goods or consignments entering Kenya.
What if the certificate is missing?
The consignment will be blocked from customs clearance until the requirement is met.
Related reading on 254.ke: Kenya shilling rate and forex reserves, October 2026, Kenya’s 90-day foreign trader permit deadline and the flower farmers’ tax fight.
Sources: Kenyans.co.ke and The Eastleigh Voice, both October 22, 2026, reporting the KRA public notice.
