NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced that all licensing processes for alcoholic beverages will go fully digital from October 1, 2025, in a move aimed at boosting efficiency and transparency in the sector.
In a public notice, NACADA said import and export licenses, along with consignment documents for alcoholic drinks and related products, will now be processed exclusively through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), which is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).
“All fees related to licensing remain unchanged and will continue to be guided by existing legal provisions,” the authority said.
The integration will centralise clearance, eliminate manual paperwork, and cut down processing delays.
NACADA added that the shift will also enhance compliance and data integrity across government agencies.
Under the new framework, payments will only be made via the eCitizen platform, which has been integrated into NESWS to ensure secure and efficient transactions.
Licenses issued before the transition date will remain valid until their expiry, but details of those licenses will be uploaded to the new system to allow for automated generation of consignment documents.
To ease adoption, NACADA outlined a two-step process for traders and customs agents:
- Applicants must log into NESWS, apply for a license or master document, and make payments based on NACADA’s gazetted fees before approval.
- Upon arrival of shipments at entry points, importers or agents will request a Consignment Document (Permit) through the system. The permits, which serve as clearance authorisation, will not attract additional fees.
The authority has also committed to providing a user guide on its website and offering support to stakeholders during onboarding.
“This integration marks an important step towards efficient, transparent, and accountable management of alcohol licensing in Kenya,” NACADA stated, urging traders to familiarise themselves with the platform ahead of the rollout.
KenTrade, a State corporation under the National Treasury, has been managing the NESWS since 2011.
The platform allows traders to submit documents, secure approvals, and make payments electronically for goods imported or exported in Kenya.
The digital shift is part of a wider government initiative to streamline trade processes and strengthen regulatory oversight in key economic sectors.
