20th Feb 2025

Nairobi, Kenya – 

From 14th February 2025, all imports into Kenya, including personal effects for those relocating, must be insured through insurers licensed in the country. This requirement comes from amendments made in The Finance Act of 2017, aimed at bolstering the management and security of imports by engaging local insurance providers.

What This Means for Those Relocating to Kenya 

If you are moving to Kenya and plan to ship your belongings by sea, you must obtain marine cargo insurance with a Kenyan-licensed insurer before your goods are cleared through customs. This ensures your items are protected under policies regulated within Kenya, providing you with reliable coverage and streamlined claims processing.

Obtaining Necessary Marine Insurance Covers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import Documentation: The Kenyan company managing your import will assist in processing the Import Declaration Form (IDF), detailing the goods you’re importing. 
2. Access Digital Insurance Platforms: You can purchase your insurance through several approved digital platforms connected to the Insurance Regulatory Authority’s electronic system. Options include:
   • The Coral Mini App on the M-PESA Super App
   • Coral’s web-based portal
   • Various web and mobile platforms from insurance underwriters.  Additionally, an insurance broker can help you secure the appropriate coverage.
   • The Kentrade single window portal – only available for major importers, exporters, and manufacturers.
3. Enter Your IDF Number: With your IDF prepared by your import handler or broker, use this number to retrieve your import details on the selected platform.
4. Complete Insurance Purchase: Fill in the necessary fields, pay the insurance premium, and receive your digital insurance certificate.
5. Automatic Processing for Cargo Clearance: Your digital certificate is automatically transmitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority’s customs system, ensuring efficient clearance of your goods.

This procedure not only supports local insurers but also ensures that you have accessible and competent support for any insurance-related concerns.

Ensuring that your Marine Insurance Cover is Valid

While Kenya has mandated marine insurance for all incoming shipments since 2017, the previous regulation had enforceability issues. Some people took advantage of this loophole and conducted import activities without the required insurance covers.

How to determine if your marine insurance cover is valid

Going forward, transferees in/out of Kenya will need to ensure that their insurance document contains the following details:

1. A unique serial number from AKI (Association of Kenyan Insurers)
2. The IDF number of the consignment that is insured.

READ MORE: Joint Public Notice by Insurance Regulatory Authority & Kenya Revenue Authority