NACADA to Shift Alcohol Licensing Online Ahead of New Crackdown on Sales

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced that all alcohol import and export licenses will soon be processed through a digital platform.

The move, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, is aimed at increasing transparency, streamlining trade procedures, and cutting down on delays caused by manual paperwork.

In a statement released on Tuesday, August 26, NACADA said that the handling of import and export licenses as well as consignment permits for alcoholic drinks and related products will be carried out through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, a platform also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform. The system is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency.

According to the authority, this transition will ensure that clearance of alcoholic beverages and other related goods is centralised under NACADA. The agency explained that automating the process will improve accuracy, reduce fraud, and make it easier for government institutions to track trade activities.

It noted that the new approach is part of wider reforms by the government to modernise trade processes and strengthen regulatory oversight.

NACADA also assured stakeholders that licensing fees will not change. All payments will continue to be made exclusively through the eCitizen portal, which has already been linked to the Trade Facilitation Platform.

The authority clarified that licenses issued before the October 1 transition date will remain valid until they expire. Details of these licenses will be entered into the new system to allow automated processing of consignment documents and to avoid trade disruptions.

The authority urged traders and stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System before the official rollout.

NACADA added that it will provide any necessary support to ensure a smooth transition, stressing that the new system will eliminate the inefficiencies and lack of transparency associated with manual clearance processes.

This announcement comes at a time when the government is introducing tougher measures to curb alcohol and drug abuse across the country.