All importers and exporters of alcoholic beverages will be required to apply for their licenses online beginning October 1, 2025 following a directive by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The authority says the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (Trade Facilitation Platform- TFP) which is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) will also handle processing of consignment permits and fees for alcoholic drinks and related products.
According to NACADA, the integration is part of the government effort to streamline trade processes, enhance transparency and improve regulatory oversight.
“The shift will centralize the clearance of all alcoholic beverages and related products under NACADA, reduce manual processing and delays through automated workflows. This in turn will strengthen compliance and data integrity across agencies,” said NACADA in a statement.
However, NACADA has clarified that licensing fees and charges will remain unchanged and continue to be guided by existing laws.
All payments will also remain restricted to the eCitizen platform, which is integrated into the TFP.
“Licenses issued before 1st October 2025 will remain valid for their full duration as originally specified at the time of issuance,” the authority stated.
Nonetheless, details of such licenses will be entered into the new system for consistency.
The integration is expected to allow the continued automated generation of consignment documents, enable seamless online cargo release and eliminate the manual processes that have been described as slow and non-transparent.
Stakeholders, including importers, exporters, cleaning agents and partner agencies have been advised to prepare for the shift by familiarizing themselves with the electronic system ahead of onboarding.
NACADA has assured that it will provide the necessary support during the transition.
