Importers bringing goods into Kenya will face stricter customs clearance rules from November 1, 2026, as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) moves to enforce mandatory digital marine cargo insurance for all incoming consignments.
Under the new enforcement measures, goods without valid insurance issued by a company licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) will not be cleared through customs. In a public notice dated October 22, KRA said importers and clearing agents must ensure every shipment has an approved marine cargo insurance policy processed through the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance System.
The insurance certificate must also be transmitted successfully to KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before importers submit their customs declarations. Shipments that fail to meet these requirements risk delays at the port or other entry points.
The directive is intended to strengthen compliance with existing laws requiring marine cargo insurance to be obtained from locally registered insurers. Section 16A of the Marine Insurance Act, introduced through the Finance Act, 2017, provides for this requirement.
However, implementation has faced repeated delays. Authorities previously scheduled enforcement for February 2025 before technical problems disrupted the rollout. A subsequent attempt set July 2026 as the start date, but the latest notice has moved the enforcement deadline to November 1.
The digital process requires importers or their clearing agents to obtain cover through an insurer connected to the system. Once the premium is paid, the insurance details must be verified and transmitted electronically to KRA before customs clearance can proceed.
The changes could also affect businesses that have traditionally relied on overseas suppliers to arrange insurance under Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) contracts. Importers may need to review their shipping agreements and arrange cover with Kenyan insurers to avoid paying for overlapping policies.
Industry representatives have previously raised concerns that compulsory local insurance could increase import costs and cause delays if the digital platform experiences technical problems. Kenya’s manufacturers, importers and clearing agents have also called for clarity on how existing foreign insurance arrangements and cargo already in transit should be handled.
KRA has urged all stakeholders to prepare for the November deadline to prevent disruptions to trade. Its latest notice does not specify additional penalties or fees beyond blocking customs clearance for consignments that fail to meet the insurance requirements.
The enforcement comes as authorities continue changing cargo clearance procedures, making it important for importers to confirm their insurance arrangements and ensure certificates are available in the customs system before lodging declarations.