KRA IMPACT: Taxman Orders Total Lockdown on Uninsured Imports Starting November 1

​The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in a joint crackdown with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), has issued a strict deadline for all importers and clearing agents: secure local digital insurance or face an immediate shutdown at customs.

​Effective November 1, 2026, all imported cargo arriving in Kenya must be backed by a valid Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) policy issued by a locally licensed Kenyan insurer.

Under the new operational mandate, insurance certificates must be processed digitally and automatically routed to KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before any declaration can be lodged.

The Taxman issued a stern warning: non-compliant consignments will be blocked instantly from customs clearance, halting trade for violators.

​Beyond the cargo crackdown, KRA also issued key tax adjustments for the final quarter of 2026. The Fringe Benefit Tax Market Interest Rate and Deemed Interest Rate have both been fixed at 9% for October through December 2026.

Furthermore, KRA reminded taxpayers that a 15% withholding tax applies to deemed interest and must be remitted within five working days.

​Compounding the logistical overhaul, KRA confirmed a full transition to the Multi-Vendor User-Owned e-Seal Framework on October 26, 2026.

The legacy e-fuel electronic seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles will be decommissioned, forcing businesses to migrate to approved commercial vendors immediately.

Importers and logistics managers must align their operations without delay to avoid catastrophic delays at Kenya’s entry points.

https://nairobileo.co.ke/business/article/30994/kra-issues-timeline-for-enforcement-of-marine-cargo-insurance

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