The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), in partnership with leading insurance firms, has launched a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance (DMCI) platform to streamline cargo clearance and facilitate compliance with mandatory marine cargo insurance requirements that took effect on July 1.
The platform, developed in collaboration with APA Insurance, CIC Insurance Group, Old Mutual General Insurance, Pacis Insurance, Dynamique, and eCitizen, is expected to digitize the issuance of marine cargo insurance certificates, simplify payments, and improve efficiency across the import and logistics value chain.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, KIFWA National Chairman Fredrick Aloo said the platform would simplify compliance with the new insurance regulations while enhancing transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in cargo clearance.
He said the system integrates digital payment channels, including eCitizen, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), M-Pesa, and other financial institutions, enabling faster processing of marine cargo insurance requirements.
“The platform will benefit importers, clearing and forwarding agents, and the wider logistics industry by simplifying the issuance of marine cargo insurance certificates, regulatory payments, cargo clearance, and customer support,” said Aloo.
He added that the platform offers real-time issuance and verification of insurance certificates, seamless integration with government systems such as Pesaflow, automated cargo processing, and nationwide customer support and training for clearing agents.
Old Mutual General Insurance Managing Director Japheth Ogalloh said insurance partners had already conducted sensitization and training programmes for industry stakeholders in Nairobi, Mombasa, Malaba, Busia, Namanga, and Isebania to prepare users for the transition.
He said the training programme would continue over the next 12 months to provide technical support and ensure users fully understand the new system.
“The training equips members with practical skills on accessing the DMCI platform, issuing clearance certificates, paying premiums through the available payment channels, and complying with customs clearance procedures,” said Ogalloh.
Ogalloh reaffirmed the insurers’ commitment to supporting stakeholders during the implementation period through technical assistance and close collaboration with partners, urging importers and clearing agents to adopt the platform to ensure uninterrupted cargo clearance and compliance with the mandatory marine cargo insurance regulations.
The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance platform forms part of the government’s broader efforts to digitize trade facilitation, improve regulatory compliance, reduce cargo processing delays, and enhance efficiency in Kenya’s import and logistics sector.
By James Kabutu and James Mburu
