The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will be enforcing mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) on all goods imported into the country from November 1.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, October 22, KRA said the requirement will be implemented in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
“Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), will be enforcing mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) effective 1st November, 2026, following previous notices,” the notice stated.
Importers and clearing agents will be required to obtain valid marine cargo insurance policies from insurers licensed by the IRA.
A photo of the busy Mombasa Port in Mombasa County, Kenya
Photo
KPA
The insurance certificates must be processed through the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance System and transmitted successfully to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before importers submit customs declarations.
The authority urged businesses involved in imports to comply before the deadline to avoid delays and interruptions.
KRA warned that shipments failing to meet the new requirements would not be allowed to proceed through customs clearance.
“Consignments failing to meet these requirements will be blocked from clearance, and stakeholders are urged to ensure full compliance to prevent trade disruptions,” KRA noted.
Affected parties have been directed to check the IRA website for further guidance on the new requirement.
The announcement comes as the authority implements changes to overhaul its cargo monitoring and customs operations.
KRA is phasing out government-owned electronic cargo tracking seals, with the transition set to be completed by October 26.
The change, introduced under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), allows importers, transporters and other operators to select from authorised private vendors of tracking devices.
An NYS officer installs a RECTS monitoring device on the rear end of a cargo truck on May 23, 2026.
Photo
Frankline Oduor