Since 2017, Kenyan law has required imports to be insured with a locally licensed insurer. Until now it was loosely enforced. From 1 November 2026, KRA will block the customs declaration for any shipment without a valid digital marine cargo insurance certificate.
What changed
Importers or their clearing agents must:
- Buy marine cargo cover from an insurer licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).
- Have the certificate issued through the digital marine cargo insurance system.
- Make sure it reaches KRA's customs system before the declaration is lodged.
A shipment that misses this step will not be cleared. Storage charges keep running while it waits.
Check how you buy
| Buying terms | Who insures today | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| CIF (cost, insurance and freight) | Your foreign supplier | Ask for CFR or FOB prices so you are not paying for cover twice |
| CFR or FOB | You | Buy cover locally before the goods ship |
| Through a consolidator or agent | Often unclear | Get written confirmation of who buys the cover for your goods |
Count it in your landed cost
The premium is part of what the goods cost you. Add it to freight, duty, clearing and transport when you work out landed cost, so your stock values and selling prices reflect the full cost. Keep the policy and certificate with each shipment's customs file, because they support both your costing and your VAT records.
Five steps before your next shipment
- List shipments due in the next 60 days and their buying terms.
- Get a marine cargo quote from an IRA licensed insurer.
- Agree in writing with your clearing agent who buys the cover.
- Ask suppliers quoting CIF for CFR or FOB prices.
- Add the premium to your landed cost sheet.
Importing stock or equipment?
We cost your landed goods properly, keep customs and VAT records in order and make sure import costs flow into your stock values and tax returns.
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