The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), in partnership with seven insurance firms and technology providers, has launched a nationwide Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform ahead of the enforcement of mandatory Marine Cargo Insurance requirements starting July 1, 2026.
The platform is expected to transform how importers and clearing agents obtain marine cargo insurance by replacing manual processes with an integrated digital system that enables instant issuance and verification of insurance certificates.
The initiative brings together APA General Insurance Company, Britam General Insurance, CIC General Insurance, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance, Dynamique and the eCitizen platform to provide a fully digital and compliant insurance solution for Kenya’s import and logistics sector.
According to KIFWA, the platform integrates with key government and payment systems, including eCitizen, the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), M-Pesa, participating commercial banks and other regulatory agencies, allowing users to purchase insurance, make premium payments and receive certificates in real time.
The digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and accelerate cargo clearance by automating insurance verification within the customs clearance process.
Among its key features are instant issuance of Digital Marine Cargo Insurance certificates, real-time premium payment and certificate verification, seamless integration with government systems and payment gateways, and automated processing designed to shorten cargo clearance timelines.
KIFWA said the platform was developed to simplify compliance with the new marine cargo insurance regulations while improving efficiency and service delivery across the logistics value chain.
The association noted that the system will benefit importers, clearing and forwarding agents, insurers and other stakeholders by providing a secure and transparent mechanism for meeting statutory insurance requirements.
To prepare the industry for the transition, KIFWA and its partners have conducted sensitisation and training programmes in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malaba, Busia, Namanga and Isebania, targeting clearing and forwarding agents and other industry players.
The training covers registration and access to the digital platform, end-to-end certificate issuance, premium payments through multiple channels, integration with customs clearance procedures, as well as claims reporting and customer support.
KIFWA said the nationwide training programme will continue over the next 12 months to ensure users fully understand the new system and can transition smoothly to the mandatory digital framework.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to providing continuous technical support and working closely with its insurance partners throughout the implementation period.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all importers and clearing agents will be required to comply with Kenya’s mandatory Marine Cargo Insurance requirements, with KIFWA urging its members to adopt the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Platform to avoid disruptions in cargo clearance and ensure full regulatory compliance.
