What the 22 October notice says

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), working with the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), announced that enforcement of mandatory Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (MCI) would take effect on 1 November 2026. The notice is dated 22 October; that is the notice date, not the start date.

KRA says all incoming consignments into Kenya must be covered by a valid MCI policy issued by an insurer licensed by the IRA. For customs clearance, the certificate must be processed through the Digital MCI System and successfully transmitted to KRA’s iCMS before the import declaration is lodged. KRA warns that consignments that do not meet these conditions may be blocked from clearance.

Coordinate before booking the China shipment

For a buyer sourcing goods in China for Kenya, the practical next step is to coordinate with the Kenyan importer and appointed clearing agent before the cargo is ready for declaration. Ask which IRA-licensed insurer will issue the MCI policy, who will arrange it, and what shipment and value details the insurer needs. The KRA notice does not publish a premium rate or a product-specific exemption, so do not assume either.

Before the supplier or forwarder finalizes shipping documents, ask the clearing agent to confirm that the MCI certificate is available in the Digital MCI process and that successful transmission to iCMS can be confirmed before lodging the declaration. Keep the policy and certificate references with the shipment file. A supplier’s or forwarder’s insurance document should not be assumed to satisfy this specific process without confirmation from the Kenyan insurer or clearing agent.

Keep responsibilities and evidence clear

KRA places the stated compliance expectation on importers and clearing agents. The China supplier can provide accurate commercial invoice, packing, cargo and shipment details when requested, but the Kenyan buyer and its licensed service providers should confirm the MCI arrangement and customs-system status. A sourcing agent can help collect and reconcile shipment information; this does not make it the importer, insurer or customs authority.

If the shipment is consolidated, split, amended or rescheduled, ask the Kenyan clearing agent and insurer whether the policy details and digital transmission need updating. The notice does not explain every edge case, so resolve changes with the responsible Kenyan parties before declaration rather than inferring coverage.

Your next-order checklist

  • Confirm the Kenyan importer and clearing agent responsible for the declaration before the shipment is booked.
  • Verify that the MCI policy issuer is licensed by Kenya’s IRA; obtain the insurer and policy reference.
  • Ask what shipment, cargo description and value information the insurer requires, and reconcile it with final shipping documents.
  • Before lodging the declaration, have the clearing agent confirm the certificate was processed through Digital MCI and successfully transmitted to KRA iCMS.
  • Retain the policy/certificate references and written confirmation in the shipment file; resolve consolidated or amended cargo details with the insurer and agent.

Sources & reference dates

  1. Kenya Revenue Authority public notice: Enforcement of Marine Cargo InsuranceSource published: 2026-10-22Effective: 2026-11-01

Prepared by the Yifeng Sourcing editorial team with AI assistance from the primary sources listed below. Source dates are recorded; destination-specific requirements should be reconfirmed before acting. This is not legal or tax advice.