New Digital Platform Set to Transform Marine Cargo Insurance for Kenyan Importers
The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) has launched a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform ahead of the enforcement of mandatory local marine cargo insurance for all imports entering Kenya from 1 July 2026.
The platform is expected to simplify compliance, speed up cargo clearance and digitise insurance processing across the country's import sector.
Developed in partnership with APA Insurance, Britam, CIC Insurance Group, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance, Dynamique Insurance Brokers and eCitizen, the platform enables importers and clearing agents to obtain marine cargo insurance certificates entirely online.
It is integrated with the Kenya Revenue Authority's Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), eCitizen, M-Pesa, Pesaflow and participating banks, allowing for real-time payment and verification.
Faster cargo clearance
The digital platform replaces paper-based processes with an automated system that issues and verifies marine cargo insurance certificates instantly.
According to KIFWA, the move will reduce delays at ports of entry, improve transparency and make it easier for importers to comply with the new regulations.
Industry stakeholders have also launched nationwide training programmes for clearing agents and importers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malaba, Busia, Namanga and Isebania to support the transition to the new system.
The sensitisation programme will continue over the next 12 months to ensure users can effectively navigate the platform.
Boost for Kenya's insurance industry
The launch comes as the government begins enforcing a requirement that all imported goods be covered by marine cargo insurance issued by locally licensed insurers before customs clearance.
The policy is expected to retain billions of shillings in insurance premiums within Kenya, strengthening the local insurance industry while supporting economic growth.
Beyond improving compliance, the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Platform marks another step in Kenya's efforts to digitise trade facilitation and modernise cargo clearance processes.
Stakeholders believe the integrated system will improve efficiency across the logistics value chain while enhancing the ease of doing business for importers and freight forwarding companies.
