The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that, effective 1 November 2026, any imported consignment without a valid digital marine cargo insurance (MCI) certificate will be blocked from customs clearance.

In a public notice dated 22 October, KRA stipulated that only MCI policies issued by insurers licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) are acceptable.

Importers and clearing agents must process the insurance certificate through the Digital MCI System and ensure it is transmitted to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) before lodging any customs declaration.

KRA warned that consignments lacking the required digital certificate will not be cleared, urging stakeholders to comply to avoid trade disruptions.

The directive gives importers and clearing agents until the November deadline to familiarize themselves with the digital filing process and verify that their policies are current.

KRA reiterated that all incoming consignments must be covered by a valid MCI policy from an IRA‑licensed insurer, reinforcing earlier notices on mandatory marine cargo insurance.

Stakeholders seeking guidance can consult the IRA website, which provides details on the enforcement of local marine cargo insurance for imports.