Estimate your marine cargo premium
This is an estimate, not a quote. It uses market estimates gathered in October 2026 because no Kenyan insurer publishes a rate table. Your goods, route, packing, cover level and claims history decide the real premium. The training levy and stamp duty are added on your invoice.
Rates this calculator uses
- Rate: about 0.15% (low) to 0.6% (high) of the sum insured
- Minimum premium: about KES 2,500 (low) to KES 5,000 (high)
- War and strikes: about 0.05% of the sum insured
- PHCF levy: 0.25% of the premium
How is the marine cargo premium calculated?
Add the invoice value and the freight to get the CIF value, add an uplift (usually 10%) to get the sum insured, then multiply by the rate. Market estimates put the rate at about 0.15% to 0.6% for most imports, with a minimum premium of about KES 2,500 to 5,000. The 0.25% PHCF levy, the training levy and stamp duty are added. Our marine cargo insurance guide explains the cover.
What the calculator assumes
- A rate of about 0.15% (low) to 0.6% (high) of the sum insured, from industry and market estimates.
- A minimum premium of about KES 2,500 (low) to KES 5,000 (high) per shipment.
- War and strikes, if ticked, at about 0.05% of the sum insured.
- The PHCF levy of 0.25% of the premium.
- It leaves out the training levy and stamp duty, which are small fixed charges set by law.
Worked example
Worked example
- Invoice value
- KES 2,000,000
- Freight
- KES 200,000
- Uplift
- 10%
- Sum insured
- KES 2,420,000
- Estimated premium with PHCF levy
- KES 3,640 – 14,560
Frequently asked questions
How is the marine cargo premium calculated?
Work out the sum insured first: invoice value plus freight (the CIF value) plus an uplift, usually 10%, for costs you would lose. Multiply it by the rate for your goods, route and cover level, apply the minimum premium, then add the 0.25% PHCF levy, the training levy and stamp duty.
How much is marine cargo insurance in Kenya?
Insurers do not publish rates, but market estimates put most import cargo at about 0.15% to 0.6% of the insured value, with minimum premiums of about KES 2,500 to 5,000 a shipment. On goods worth KES 2 million that is roughly KES 3,600 to 14,500 before levies. Fragile, high-theft or used goods cost more.
What value should I insure my cargo for?
Most insurers expect the CIF value plus 10%. Some accept 10% to 20% for clearing, duty and other costs. If you insure for less than the goods are worth, the insurer can reduce a claim in proportion, so do not under-declare to save premium.
What levies are added to a marine premium?
Three charges are added to the premium: the Policyholders' Compensation Fund levy of 0.25%, the insurance training levy and stamp duty. Your invoice shows each one.
Is war and strikes cover included?
Usually not. War, strikes, riots and civil commotion are added with the Institute War and Strikes Clauses for an extra premium, which market estimates put at about 0.05% of the cargo value. Routes through listed war zones, such as the Red Sea since 2024, can cost much more.
Should I choose ICC A, B or C?
Choose ICC (A) for most goods, especially anything fragile, valuable or easy to steal: it covers all risks except the listed exclusions, including theft and handling damage. ICC (B) and (C) cover named events only and suit robust bulk goods where theft and breakage are unlikely. The price gap is often smaller than the gap in cover.
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Sources
Facts and published prices checked 18 Oct 2026; last reviewed October 2026 by Naveah Capital. Rates shown are market estimates before levies, not a quote or a promise. Naveah Capital Insurance Agency is an IRA-licensed insurance agency in Nairobi; this page is general information, and your policy wording decides your cover.
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