Kenya has launched a digital marine cargo insurance platform to help importers comply with new regulations requiring all imported goods to be covered by locally issued marine insurance policies from July 1, 2026. The platform, developed by KIFWA and leading insurers, integrates with government systems to simplify policy issuance, payments and customs verification.

Key Overview

• KIFWA has launched the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform.
• Local marine cargo insurance becomes mandatory from July 1, 2026.
• The platform integrates with eCitizen and KRA’s ICMS.
• Multiple insurers collaborated to develop the system.
• Importers can issue and verify insurance certificates digitally.
• The platform supports M-Pesa, banks and Pesaflow for payments.
• KIFWA will train members over the next 12 months.
• The initiative supports Kenya’s trade digitisation agenda.

Marine Cargo Insurance Goes Digital in Kenya

Kenya has taken a major step toward modernising trade and insurance services with the launch of a digital marine cargo insurance platform ahead of the mandatory requirement for locally issued marine cargo insurance, which takes effect on July 1, 2026.

The new Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform was launched by the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) in collaboration with several leading insurance companies. The platform is expected to simplify compliance for importers while improving efficiency across customs clearance, insurance verification and freight operations.

The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader strategy of digitising public services and strengthening Kenya’s trade infrastructure.

KIFWA Launches Cargo Insurance Compliance Platform

The new cargo insurance compliance platform was developed through a partnership between KIFWA, APA General Insurance Company, Britam General Insurance, CIC General Insurance, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance and technology provider Dynamique.

Its primary objective is to help importers comply with new regulations requiring all imported cargo entering Kenya to be insured through locally licensed insurance providers.

Previously, many importers relied on insurance policies issued outside Kenya. Under the new framework, marine cargo insurance must now be arranged locally, ensuring greater participation by Kenya’s insurance industry while improving regulatory oversight.

The platform provides a single digital environment where users can purchase policies, verify certificates and meet customs requirements more efficiently.

Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Simplifies Compliance

The introduction of digital marine cargo insurance is expected to significantly reduce paperwork and manual processing throughout the importation process.

Instead of relying on physical documentation and multiple verification steps, importers can complete insurance transactions electronically through one integrated system.

Insurance certificates are generated digitally, allowing customs authorities and other stakeholders to verify coverage quickly before cargo clearance.

By digitising the process, the platform reduces administrative delays while improving transparency across the marine insurance ecosystem.

For businesses importing goods regularly, the system offers faster processing and easier compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

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Integrated Platform Connects Customs and Payments

One of the platform’s strongest features is its integration with several national digital systems.

The cargo insurance digital platform connects directly with eCitizen, the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), M-Pesa, commercial banking institutions and Pesaflow.

This integration allows users to complete premium payments electronically while enabling regulators to verify insurance certificates in real time during customs processing.

By connecting payment systems, customs authorities and insurance providers into a single workflow, the platform reduces duplication and improves coordination across the import process.

The result is a more efficient digital trade ecosystem for importers, freight forwarders and insurers.

Marine Insurance Kenya Enters a Digital Era

The mandatory local insurance requirement represents an important development for marine insurance Kenya.

Beyond increasing compliance, the regulation is expected to strengthen the domestic insurance industry by retaining premium income within the country rather than allowing coverage to be placed with foreign insurers.

The digital platform supports this objective by making locally issued policies easier to obtain while maintaining high standards of verification and regulatory oversight.

For insurers, greater digital connectivity may also improve operational efficiency, reduce processing costs and provide faster access to policy information throughout the cargo lifecycle.

Freight Insurance Training Supports Industry Adoption

To ensure successful implementation, KIFWA has announced an extensive training programme that will continue over the next 12 months.

The programme will equip freight forwarders and clearing agents with the knowledge required to use the new system effectively.

Training will cover premium payments, certificate issuance, claims reporting and integration with customs procedures.

By investing in user education, KIFWA aims to minimise disruption as the industry transitions to the new compliance framework while ensuring businesses can fully utilise the platform’s capabilities.

This approach also supports broader adoption of digital trade solutions across Kenya’s logistics sector.

Benefits for Importers and the Supply Chain

The new platform offers several advantages for importers, insurers and regulators alike.

Digitised certificate issuance reduces paperwork and processing time, while real-time verification helps minimise delays at ports of entry. The integration with payment channels simplifies premium collection, and automated verification reduces the risk of fraudulent documentation.

According to KIFWA National Chairman Fredrick Aloo, consolidating payment and verification channels into a single interface will improve coordination between insurers, clearing agents and government agencies while enhancing the efficiency of cargo clearance procedures.

These improvements support Kenya’s broader objective of improving the ease of doing business and facilitating international trade.

Conclusion

The launch of Kenya’s digital marine cargo insurance platform marks a significant milestone in the country’s trade digitisation journey. By combining insurance providers, customs authorities, payment systems and government platforms into one integrated solution, the new system simplifies compliance with mandatory locally issued marine cargo insurance requirements.

As the regulation takes effect from July 1, 2026, the platform is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve operational efficiency and support the continued digital transformation of Kenya’s freight and logistics industry.

FAQs

1. What is the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform?

The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform is an online system launched by KIFWA in partnership with several Kenyan insurance companies to simplify the purchase, issuance and verification of marine cargo insurance policies. The platform enables importers to comply with Kenya’s new regulations requiring locally issued marine cargo insurance while integrating insurance services with customs clearance, government platforms and digital payment systems. By replacing manual processes with digital workflows, the platform improves efficiency and transparency throughout the import process.

2. Why is locally issued marine cargo insurance now mandatory?

The Kenyan government introduced the requirement to ensure that imported cargo is insured through locally licensed insurance providers rather than foreign insurers. This policy helps retain insurance premiums within Kenya, strengthens the domestic insurance sector and enhances regulatory oversight of marine cargo insurance. It also enables authorities to verify insurance coverage more effectively while improving coordination between insurers, customs officials and freight operators during cargo clearance.

3. How does the platform improve cargo insurance compliance?

The platform streamlines compliance by integrating with eCitizen, the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), M-Pesa, commercial banks and Pesaflow. Importers can purchase insurance, pay premiums electronically and obtain digital insurance certificates that customs authorities can verify instantly. This reduces paperwork, shortens processing times and minimises delays at ports by allowing multiple stakeholders to access verified insurance information through one central system.

4. How will KIFWA support businesses using the new platform?

KIFWA has committed to conducting training over a twelve-month period to help freight forwarders, clearing agents and other industry participants understand how to use the DMCI Platform effectively. The programme covers premium payment processing, certificate issuance, claims reporting and customs integration procedures. This ongoing support is intended to ensure a smooth transition to the mandatory digital compliance system while helping businesses maximise the operational benefits of the new platform.

Sources: Eastleigh Voice, Kenyan Wallstreet

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