How to Get a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate in Kenya

31Jul

By Raymond Momanyi

How to Get a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate in Kenya

Learn how to obtain a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate in Kenya through a licensed insurer. Understand the required documents, payment process, cargo cover, customs verification and claims procedure.

What Is a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate?

A Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate, commonly abbreviated as DMIC, is electronic evidence that an imported cargo consignment has been insured under an approved marine cargo policy.

The certificate records important information about the shipment, including:

The importer or insured party
The insurance company
Cargo description
Invoice or declared value
Mode of transport
Origin and destination
Voyage or transit details
Insurance conditions
Period of cover
Certificate number

The Insurance Regulatory Authority published the official Digital Marine Cargo Insurance acquisition procedure on 3 June 2026. The procedure applies to imported cargo consignments and links licensed insurers, the Insurance Regulatory Authority, the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Integrated Customs Management System, eCitizen and the Pesaflow payment gateway. (ira.go.ke)

The digital process is intended to allow the certificate to be issued and verified electronically rather than relying only on manually prepared paper certificates.

A Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate protects the shipment and supports customs compliance—but only when the information matches the actual consignment.

Why Importers Need Marine Cargo Insurance

Imported goods can be damaged or lost at several stages of the journey.

Risks may arise while the cargo is:

Being loaded at the supplier’s warehouse
Transported to the export port
Stored temporarily before shipment
Loaded onto a vessel or aircraft
Travelling by sea or air
Being discharged at the destination
Stored at a port or bonded facility
Transported inland to the final destination
Loaded or unloaded from a truck

Potential causes of loss include:

Fire
Collision
Vessel sinking
Overturning
Seawater damage
Storms
Theft
Pilferage
Rough handling
Container damage
Accidental breakage
Non-delivery
General average
Loading or unloading accidents

The seller, shipping line, transporter, freight forwarder and port operator may have limited liability under their contracts. Their financial responsibility may therefore be lower than the actual value of the cargo.

Marine cargo insurance provides direct protection for the importer’s financial interest, subject to the selected cover, exclusions and policy conditions.

Is Marine Cargo Insurance Only for Sea Freight?

No.

The term marine cargo insurance is widely used for goods in international transit, even where part or all of the journey is completed by:

Air
Road
Rail
Courier
Sea
Multimodal transport

The IRA’s digital procedure applies broadly to imported cargo consignments and is integrated into Kenya’s customs-clearance environment. (ira.go.ke)

A shipment arriving through JKIA can therefore require cargo insurance just as goods arriving through Mombasa Port may require it.

The policy must clearly state the mode of transport and the intended transit.

How the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance System Works

The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance process connects several parties.

The importer

The importer provides accurate shipment and identification details and selects suitable insurance.

The clearing agent

KRA advises importers to engage licensed customs clearing agents to process import documentation and declarations through the customs system. (KRA)

The insurance intermediary

A licensed agent or broker can collect the shipment information, obtain quotations, explain the cover and coordinate certificate issuance.

The insurance company

The licensed insurer underwrites the risk, accepts the premium and issues the marine insurance policy and digital certificate.

The Insurance Regulatory Authority

IRA regulates Kenya’s insurance industry and supports the digital marine certificate infrastructure. (ira.go.ke)

Kenya Revenue Authority

KRA processes the import declaration and customs-clearance requirements through its customs systems.

eCitizen and Pesaflow

The official IRA procedure uses the eCitizen payment process and Pesaflow as the designated digital payment infrastructure for the marine insurance workflow. (ira.go.ke)

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate

Step 1: Obtain the Shipment Documents

Do not wait until the goods arrive at the port before gathering the documents.

Prepare the basic import records as soon as the supplier confirms the shipment.

KRA lists several documents commonly required to clear imported goods, including:

Commercial invoice
Pro forma invoice
Bill of Lading for sea cargo
Airway Bill for air cargo
Certificate of origin
Freight invoice
Packing list
KRA PIN
Purchase order or contract
Required permits or licences
Certificate of Conformity where applicable (KRA)

The exact documents depend on the type of goods and method of transport.

Step 2: Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent

A clearing agent helps the importer process the customs declaration and related import documents.

KRA states that importers need the services of a licensed customs clearing agent to process the import documentation and assist with clearance. (KRA)

The clearing agent can help confirm:

Correct cargo description
Customs classification
Invoice value
Freight amount
Import Declaration Form details
Required permits
Expected arrival details
Port or entry point

The insurance information and customs information must agree.

Step 3: Lodge the Import Declaration Information

The clearing agent uses the supplier’s documentation to begin the import declaration process.

KRA explains that the importer ordinarily gives the pro forma invoice to the clearing agent, who lodges the required import declaration information before the later entry, verification and clearance stages. (KRA)

The marine certificate should be connected to the correct consignment.

Check that the following details are accurate:

Importer’s name
KRA PIN
Invoice number
Cargo description
Country of origin
Port of loading
Destination
Freight details
Declared value
Mode of transport

Step 4: Contact a Licensed Insurer or Insurance Intermediary

Send the shipment documents to a licensed Kenyan insurer, insurance agent or broker.

Do not purchase cover through an unknown person merely because they promise a cheap or immediate certificate.

Confirm:

Name of the underwriting insurer
Name and licence status of the intermediary
Official payment process
Marine certificate reference
Policy terms
Claims contact

IRA maintains registers of licensed insurers and intermediaries and supervises insurance business in Kenya. (ira.go.ke)

Step 5: Provide the Required Cargo Information

The insurer or intermediary may ask for:

Importer’s full name
Company registration details
National ID or passport where applicable
KRA PIN
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Import declaration details
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Cargo description
Number of packages
Gross weight
Country of origin
Port of loading
Destination port
Final delivery location
Vessel or flight information
Expected departure and arrival dates
Freight cost
Insurance value
Incoterm
Claims history
Packaging details

Higher-risk cargo may require additional information.

Step 6: Declare the Goods Accurately

The cargo description should be clear and specific.

Avoid broad descriptions such as:

General merchandise
Assorted goods
Machinery
Electronics
Spare parts

A stronger description would identify the actual goods, for example:

New laptop computers packed in cartons
Commercial refrigeration equipment
Motor-vehicle spare parts
Pharmaceutical products requiring cold storage
Ceramic floor tiles
Used passenger motor vehicle
Industrial printing machine

Accurate descriptions allow the insurer to apply suitable terms and reduce disagreements during a claim.

Step 7: Confirm the Insurance Value

Marine cargo is commonly insured using a value that considers:

Cost of the goods
Freight
Related transit charges
Insurance
An agreed uplift for incidental costs or anticipated profit, where provided

The exact valuation formula depends on the insurer and policy.

Do not insure only the supplier’s invoice value where substantial freight, duty-related exposure or other insurable costs should be considered.

Equally, do not inflate the cargo value without justification. Insurance is intended to compensate an actual insured loss, not create profit from a claim.

Step 8: Select the Appropriate Scope of Cover

Marine cargo cover is not identical across all quotations.

A quotation may be offered under different cargo clauses.

Institute Cargo Clauses A

This is generally the broadest of the standard cargo options. It covers accidental physical loss or damage unless the cause is excluded.

It is often described as “all risks,” but exclusions still apply.

Institute Cargo Clauses B

This provides named-peril protection that is broader than Clause C but narrower than Clause A.

Institute Cargo Clauses C

This is a more restricted named-peril option covering major specified events.

The most suitable option depends on:

Nature of goods
Packaging
Value
Journey
Mode of transport
Fragility
Theft exposure
Storage
Budget

High-value electronics, fragile goods, machinery or theft-attractive cargo may require broader protection and specific extensions.

Step 9: Review Important Extensions

Depending on the shipment, consider whether the quotation includes:

Theft and pilferage
Non-delivery
Breakage
Leakage
Loading and unloading
Temporary storage
War risks
Strikes, riots and civil commotion
Inland transit
Warehouse-to-warehouse protection
Refrigeration breakdown
Temperature variation
Used machinery conditions
Duty insurance
Debris removal
Survey fees

Do not assume every extension is included in the base quotation.

Step 10: Review the Quotation

Before paying, check:

Cargo description
Insured value
Origin
Final destination
Mode of transport
Policy clauses
Extensions
Premium
Taxes and levies
Excess
Exclusions
Transit period
Storage conditions
Claims-notification procedure

Compare quotations on the same basis.

A cheaper quotation may have:

Narrower cargo clauses
Higher excess
No theft cover
No breakage cover
Shorter storage allowance
Restricted inland transit
More warranties

Step 11: Pay Through the Approved Digital Process

Once the quotation is accepted, payment is processed through the approved system.

The official IRA procedure states that payment is initiated through the eCitizen payment API using the Pesaflow gateway. (ira.go.ke)

Use the correct payment reference.

Keep:

Payment confirmation
Official receipt
eCitizen transaction reference
Insurer’s confirmation
Communication with the intermediary

Avoid sending the premium to an individual’s personal account unless the insurer has officially confirmed that payment channel.

Step 12: Certificate Generation and Electronic Verification

After payment and underwriting approval, the insurer generates the Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate.

The official process links the insurer, IRA, eCitizen payment infrastructure and KRA’s ICMS environment. (ira.go.ke)

The certificate details can therefore be verified electronically during customs processing.

The importer should still obtain a copy for their records.

Step 13: Check the Certificate Carefully

Confirm:

Insured name
Importer’s KRA PIN
Insurer
Certificate number
Invoice number
Cargo description
Insured value
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Origin
Destination
Vessel or flight
Period of cover
Cargo clauses
Extensions

Request correction immediately where any detail is wrong.

Do not wait until the customs declaration is being processed.

Step 14: Share the Certificate With the Clearing Agent

Give the clearing agent:

Certificate copy
Certificate number
Payment confirmation
Policy details
Any relevant endorsement

The agent should confirm that the digital certificate matches the customs declaration and appears correctly within the applicable workflow.

Step 15: Keep the Full Policy Documentation

The digital certificate is evidence of insurance, but it may not contain every policy condition.

Keep:

Quotation
Policy schedule
Digital certificate
Full policy wording
Cargo clauses
Extensions
Payment receipt
Invoice
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Packing list
Correspondence

These documents become important if the cargo is damaged or lost.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain the Certificate?

Where the importer provides complete and consistent information, the digital process can be completed quickly.

Delays may arise from:

Missing import declaration information
Incorrect KRA PIN
Invoice mismatch
Wrong cargo description
Unclear Incoterms
Incorrect insured value
High-risk goods
Missing permits
Payment-reference errors
Portal interruptions
Insurer underwriting questions

The best approach is to arrange cover before the cargo arrives.

Last-minute applications can create pressure and increase the risk of errors.

Which Goods Can Be Covered?

Marine cargo insurance may be arranged for goods such as:

Motor vehicles
Spare parts
Machinery
Electronics
Building materials
Furniture
Clothing
Food products
Agricultural inputs
Medical equipment
Pharmaceuticals
Raw materials
Industrial chemicals
Household goods
Solar equipment
Telecommunications equipment

Some cargo requires specialised underwriting.

Examples include:

Perishable goods
Frozen products
Pharmaceuticals
Hazardous materials
Used machinery
Livestock
Fragile glass
High-value jewellery
Bulk commodities
Project cargo
Oversized equipment

Never conceal the nature of the goods to obtain a lower premium.

What Are Incoterms, and Why Do They Matter?

Incoterms help define responsibilities between the buyer and seller, including transport costs, delivery points and risk transfer.

Common arrangements include:

Insurance responsibility can differ according to the selected term.

CIF and CIP shipments

Under CIF or CIP arrangements, the overseas seller ordinarily arranges a level of cargo insurance.

However, Kenyan importers should confirm whether the insurance arrangement satisfies the applicable local digital-certificate requirements and whether additional local placement is necessary.

The official Kenyan digital process is implemented through licensed insurers, IRA, KRA ICMS, eCitizen and Pesaflow. (ira.go.ke)

Before signing a supply contract, ask:

Who arranges insurance?
Which insurer issues the policy?
What cargo clauses apply?
What is the final insured destination?
Does the policy integrate with Kenya’s digital process?
Will local insurance create duplicate cost?
Should the procurement term be reviewed?

Do not change international purchasing terms without considering the full commercial, tax, logistics and legal consequences.

Does “Warehouse to Warehouse” Mean Unlimited Cover?

No.

Warehouse-to-warehouse cover generally follows the ordinary course of transit from the agreed starting point to the stated destination, subject to the policy wording.

Cover may end when:

Goods reach the named destination
Goods are placed into storage outside the ordinary course of transit
The insured uses the location for distribution
A specified number of days expires after discharge
The journey is intentionally interrupted
The cargo is redirected without insurer approval

The certificate should therefore state the true final destination.

Do not write “Mombasa Port” where the goods are intended to continue to a warehouse in Nairobi unless the cover and certificate are structured accordingly.

Single-Shipment Certificate vs Marine Open Cover

Single-shipment insurance

This covers one specified consignment.

It may suit:

Occasional importers
One-off machinery purchases
Personal effects
A single vehicle
Special project cargo

A separate certificate is issued for each shipment.

Marine open cover

Marine open cover is designed for businesses making frequent shipments.

The business agrees an annual arrangement, then declares each consignment as it occurs.

It may provide:

Pre-agreed cargo terms
Faster certificate issuance
Consistent rates
Automatic protection within declared limits
Easier administration

The importer must still declare every shipment accurately and within the agreed timeframe.

An undeclared consignment may create difficulties during a claim.

What Is Normally Excluded?

Common exclusions may include:

Wilful misconduct
Ordinary leakage
Ordinary loss in weight
Wear and tear
Inherent vice
Poor or insufficient packaging
Delay
Insolvency of specified transport parties
Unseaworthiness known to the insured
War unless extended
Strikes and civil disturbance unless extended
Nuclear risks
Temperature change without specialised cover
Mechanical or electrical derangement without external damage
Fraud
Illegal trade
Sanctions-related risks

The actual exclusions depend on the cargo clauses and insurer.

Packaging Matters

Cargo insurance does not excuse poor packaging.

The insurer may examine whether the goods were packed appropriately for:

Sea movement
Road vibration
Air transport
Multiple handling
Stacking
Moisture
Temperature
Weight
Fragility

Packaging records may include:

Photographs
Supplier specifications
Container-loading reports
Seals
Pallet information
Crate details
Temperature records

Weak packaging can contribute to a claim rejection where the loss arises from insufficient or unsuitable preparation.

What to Do When Cargo Arrives Damaged

Do not sign a clean delivery receipt

Record visible loss or damage before accepting delivery.

Take photographs and videos

Capture:

Container
Seal
Packaging
Damaged goods
Water marks
Impact points
Vehicle or vessel details
Delivery environment

Notify the insurer immediately

Do not wait until the cargo has been unpacked, repaired, sold or destroyed.

Request a survey

The insurer may appoint a marine surveyor to inspect the goods.

Notify the carrier

Send a written notice of loss to the:

Shipping line
Airline
Transporter
Freight forwarder
Port operator
Warehouse operator

This helps preserve recovery rights.

Prevent further damage

Separate wet goods, arrange safe storage or take other reasonable steps with insurer guidance.

Preserve damaged goods and packaging

Do not discard evidence before the insurer or surveyor approves disposal.

Documents Required for a Marine Cargo Claim

The insurer may request:

Claim form
Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate
Policy schedule
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Import declaration documents
Delivery note
Port records
Survey report
Photographs
Correspondence with the carrier
Notice of loss
Repair quotation
Replacement quotation
Proof of payment
Customs entry
Police report for theft
Container seal records
Temperature records where applicable

A claim may be delayed where these records are missing.

Common Mistakes Importers Should Avoid

Arranging insurance after the loss

Insurance must be arranged before the risk occurs.

Waiting until the cargo arrives

Last-minute applications can delay documentation and customs processing.

Using an incorrect cargo value

Underinsurance can reduce claim settlement.

Giving a vague cargo description

The policy should identify the actual goods being transported.

Ignoring the final destination

Cover may end before the cargo reaches the importer’s warehouse.

Choosing the cheapest cargo clause

Restricted cover may not protect theft, breakage or handling damage.

Failing to declare used machinery

Used equipment may require special conditions or inspection.

Ignoring packaging requirements

Poor packaging can affect a claim.

Failing to check the digital certificate

Small errors can create customs or claims complications.

Assuming the carrier will pay everything

Carrier liability may be limited.

Discarding damaged goods

The insurer must be allowed to inspect and assess the loss.

Failing to notify the carrier

This can weaken recovery rights.

How to Compare Marine Cargo Insurance Quotations

Give every insurer the same:

Cargo description
Invoice value
Freight amount
Origin
Destination
Mode of transport
Packaging
Incoterm
Required cargo clauses
Claims history

Then compare:

Total premium
Insured value
Cargo clauses
Excess
Theft protection
Breakage
Non-delivery
War and strikes
Storage period
Inland transit
Loading and unloading
Temperature risks
Claims procedure
Survey requirements
Exclusions

The lowest premium does not automatically provide the most appropriate protection.

How Imana Helps Importers Obtain Digital Marine Certificates

Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd helps importers, manufacturers, traders, logistics businesses and individuals obtain marine cargo quotations and coordinate Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate issuance.

The process may include:

Reviewing the shipment documents.
Confirming the cargo description.
Establishing the insurable value.
Reviewing the Incoterm.
Comparing quotations from suitable insurers.
Explaining cargo clauses and exclusions.
Coordinating digital payment.
Confirming certificate issuance.
Checking the certificate details.
Supporting claim notification where cargo is damaged.

Imana can assist with:

Sea cargo
Airfreight
Imported motor vehicles
Industrial machinery
Electronics
Project cargo
Commercial goods
Containerised cargo
Inland transit
Marine open cover
Single-shipment certificates

Marine Cargo Insurance in Westlands, Nairobi and Across Kenya

Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd
4th Floor, Krishna Centre
Woodvale Grove, Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya

Imana serves importers in Nairobi, Mombasa and other parts of Kenya through digital documentation channels.

Website: Imana.co.ke
Call or WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402

Compare quotations. Understand the cargo clauses. Choose suitable protection. Let Imana handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate?

It is electronic evidence that a specified imported cargo consignment has been insured under a marine cargo policy.

Who issues the digital certificate?

It is issued by a participating licensed insurance company after underwriting approval and payment.

Is the process connected to KRA?

Yes. IRA’s official procedure links licensed insurers, KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System, eCitizen, Pesaflow and IRA. (ira.go.ke)

What documents do I need?

Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, KRA PIN, freight details, cargo description and import declaration information.

Can an insurance agent help me obtain it?

Yes. A licensed agent or broker can obtain quotations and coordinate issuance through the underwriting insurer.

Can air cargo obtain marine insurance?

Yes. Marine cargo insurance can cover goods transported by air, sea, road, rail or a combination of methods.

When should I arrange the certificate?

Arrange it before the goods are exposed to uninsured transit and well before customs clearance.

What is the difference between Clause A and Clause C?

Clause A generally provides broader accidental physical-loss protection, subject to exclusions. Clause C covers a narrower list of specified major events.

Does the certificate cover theft?

Only where theft is included under the selected policy terms.

Can one certificate cover several shipments?

A single-shipment certificate ordinarily applies to the named consignment. Frequent importers can consider marine open cover, with declarations for individual shipments.

Does marine insurance cover delay?

Delay is commonly excluded, even where the delay follows physical damage.

What happens if the certificate details are incorrect?

Contact the insurer or intermediary immediately and request correction or endorsement before customs processing and before a claim arises.

Can Imana compare marine cargo quotations?

Yes. Imana can compare cargo clauses, premiums, excesses, extensions and claims terms from suitable insurers.

The Bottom Line

Getting a Digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate should begin before the goods arrive—not when the clearing agent is already trying to secure release.

A smooth process requires:

Complete import documents
Correct declaration information
Accurate cargo value
Clear cargo description
Appropriate insurance clauses
Payment through the approved process
Electronic certificate verification
Careful review of the issued certificate

Your cargo may travel thousands of kilometres through several ports, warehouses and vehicles. One accurate digital certificate can protect the value invested throughout that journey.

Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd
4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
Call or WhatsApp: +254 796 209 402

Compare quotations. Insure before shipment. Verify the certificate. Let Imana handle the rest.

The Digital Marine Cargo Insurance procedure, customs requirements, portal workflows and payment arrangements may be updated by IRA, KRA or other relevant authorities. Cargo premiums, clauses, limits, excesses and exclusions depend on the selected insurer and shipment. Confirm the current official process and obtain a written policy before goods enter transit.

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