KRA Introduces Mandatory Digital Insurance Rules for All Imports From November 1

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), working with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), will introduce mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance for all consignments entering Kenya from November 1, 2026. The new requirement means importers and clearing agents must ensure their goods are insured by companies licensed by the IRA before seeking customs clearance.

In a notice issued on Thursday, October 22, KRA said all incoming consignments must have valid marine cargo insurance policies processed through the approved digital system. The authority warned that shipments that fail to meet the requirements will not be cleared through customs, making compliance essential for businesses involved in importing goods.

Under the new rules, importers and clearing agents must obtain their digital insurance certificates before lodging customs declarations. The certificates must also be successfully transmitted to KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) for verification before the clearance process can proceed.

Applications can be initiated through approved channels, including insurance companies’ websites and mobile applications, the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association portal, and the eCitizen platform. Applicants will be required to provide the relevant Import Declaration Form number or retrieve their consignment details through the available systems before selecting an insurer.

Once an application is submitted, the chosen insurance company will assess the cargo details and determine whether to provide coverage. If the risk is accepted, the insurer will generate a premium invoice through the eCitizen system, where the amount is validated against approved insurance rates before payment is made through the designated Pesaflow payment gateway.

After payment is confirmed, the relevant information is transmitted to KRA, the Association of Kenya Insurers and the participating insurance companies. The association then generates and sends the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate to KRA’s customs platform, allowing the authorities to verify the document before releasing the goods. KRA has clarified that a certificate will not be issued without confirmation of premium payment through the official system.

The changes are intended to make marine cargo insurance processing digital and ensure imported goods meet the required insurance conditions. Importers and clearing agents are therefore expected to familiarise themselves with the approved application channels and complete the process before submitting customs declarations to avoid delays or blocked clearances once enforcement begins on November 1, 2026.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/100046664565790/posts/1843257110573090/?app=fbl

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