The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will begin enforcing mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) for all incoming consignments into Kenya from November 1, 2026, warning that shipments without valid insurance documentation will be blocked from customs clearance.
In a public notice dated October 22, 2026, KRA said the enforcement will be undertaken in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), following previous notices on the requirement.
Under the new enforcement measures, importers and clearing agents must ensure all incoming consignments are covered by a valid marine cargo insurance policy issued exclusively by an IRA-licensed insurer.
KRA stated that insurance certificates must be processed through the Digital MCI System and successfully transmitted to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before a customs declaration is lodged.
The authority warned that consignments that fail to meet the requirements will not be cleared, urging importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders to comply with the directive to avoid disruptions to trade.
The enforcement forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen compliance with marine cargo insurance requirements for goods entering the country.
