The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), in partnership with leading insurance firms and technology providers, has announced the nationwide rollout of the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform ahead of the mandatory Marine Cargo Insurance requirements that take effect on 1 July 2026.
The platform is designed to provide importers, clearing and forwarding agents with a fully digital, secure and compliant way of obtaining Marine Cargo Insurance certificates, helping streamline cargo clearance and improve efficiency across Kenya’s logistics sector.
The initiative brings together APA General Insurance Company, Britam General Insurance, CIC General Insurance, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance, Dynamique and eCitizen in an integrated digital ecosystem that connects payment gateways, the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), M-Pesa, participating banking institutions and other relevant regulatory agencies.
Through the platform, users can obtain digital Marine Cargo Insurance certificates instantly, verify premium payments and certificates in real time, and benefit from automated processing aimed at reducing delays during cargo clearance. The system also incorporates multiple payment options through eCitizen, M-Pesa, banking institutions and Pesaflow while offering nationwide customer support and training.
According to KIFWA, the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Platform has been developed to simplify compliance with the new insurance requirements while improving transparency, service delivery and operational efficiency for businesses involved in Kenya’s import and logistics industry.
To prepare stakeholders for the transition, KIFWA and its partners have already conducted sensitisation and training programmes in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malaba, Busia, Namanga and Isebania.
The training programme will continue over the next 12 months to support members and industry stakeholders as they adopt the new system. The sessions cover platform access, end-to-end certificate issuance, premium payment through the available channels, integration with customs clearance procedures, claims reporting and customer support.
KIFWA said it remains committed to supporting members throughout the implementation period through continuous training, technical assistance and close collaboration with its insurance partners to ensure a smooth transition to the digital marine cargo insurance framework.
The association has encouraged all its members to participate in the ongoing training programme and adopt the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Platform to ensure uninterrupted cargo clearance and compliance with the mandatory Marine Cargo Insurance requirements that come into effect on 1 July 2026.
