The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a shift in the processing of import and export licences for alcoholic beverages.

In a statement shared by NACADA on their socials, they stated that beginning October 1, 2025, all applications for licences and consignment permits will be handled through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).

The move, according to NACADA, is part of the government’s broader plan to streamline trade processes and strengthen regulatory oversight. By integrating NACADA’s licensing functions into the digital platform, clearance of alcoholic beverages and related products will be centralised and automated, reducing paperwork, eliminating delays, and enhancing transparency.

“NACADA Moves to Streamline Alcohol Trade Licensing Through Digital Platform” in a statement posted on their x account on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, All Stakeholders – Importers and Exporters of Alcoholic Drinks Beverages, Clearing Agents, Partner Government Agencies: NACADA stated

“The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) wishes to notify all stakeholders that, effective October 1st 2025, the processing of import and export licenses & consignments”

Licensing fees

According to the directive, fees and charges for licensing will not be affected by the transition. All payments will continue to be made via the eCitizen platform, which is already linked to the TFP.

Licences issued before the transition date will remain valid until their expiry. The details of these existing licenses will be uploaded into the new system to allow for seamless automated generation of consignment documents and online cargo release. This approach is expected to replace the traditional manual clearance process, which has been criticised for inefficiency and lack of transparency.

“All fees and charges related to licensing will remain unchanged and continue to be governed by the existing legal provisions; Payments will continue to be made exclusively via the eCitizen platform (which is integrated in the TFP),” they added

Stakeholders, including importers, exporters, clearing agents, and partner government agencies, have been urged to familiarise themselves with the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System ahead of the rollout. NACADA has assured that support will be available to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.