NAIROBI, Kenya, June 30 – Importers will now access marine cargo insurance certificates online under a new platform launched by KIFWA and its insurance partners.
The developments come a day before mandatory marine cargo insurance requirements come into force.
The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) Platform is expected to streamline compliance by enabling users to purchase insurance certificates online while integrating payment and verification systems with government agencies.
The platform has been developed through a partnership between KIFWA and insurance firms including APA General Insurance, Britam General Insurance, CIC General Insurance, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance and Dynamique, with integration through eCitizen.
According to KIFWA, the system will allow instant issuance of marine cargo insurance certificates, real-time premium payment and verification, and automated processing aimed at reducing delays in cargo clearance.
“The platform provides a seamless, secure, and fully compliant digital solution for obtaining Marine Cargo Insurance certificates through an integrated ecosystem linked to payment gateways provided by eCitizen, KRA ICMS, M-Pesa, participating banking institutions, and relevant regulatory bodies.”
“The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Platform is designed to simplify compliance while enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery for importers, clearing and forwarding agents, and the wider logistics industry.”
The launch comes as the government moves to fully enforce mandatory marine cargo insurance for imported goods.
According to the government, the policy is aimed at increasing the uptake of locally underwritten insurance while strengthening oversight of cargo entering the country.
The digital platform integrates with Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), eCitizen, M-Pesa, participating banks and other payment channels.
This allows importers and freight agents to obtain certificates without manual processing.
To prepare stakeholders for the transition, KIFWA and its partners have conducted sensitization and training sessions in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malaba, Busia, Namanga and Isebania targeting clearing and forwarding agents and other logistics stakeholders.
