NACADA Moves Alcohol Licensing Online in Major Digital Shift
NACADA has changed how importers and exporters of alcohol will get licenses, moving the whole process to a digital platform.
In a statement issued on Wednesday October 1, the authority confirmed that all import and export licenses, including consignment permits for alcohol products will now be processed through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS) managed by KenTrade.
“This is part of a national initiative to streamline trade, enhance transparency and strengthen regulatory oversight,” NACADA said in the statement.
The digital migration means clearance of alcohol imports and exports will now be centralized under NACADA, eliminating manual processes. Automated workflows will reduce delays, boost compliance and safeguard data integrity across multiple agencies.
According to NACADA while fees remain the same all payments will now be made through the eCitizen platform which is fully integrated with NESWS. This will ensure secure and efficient transactions.
Licenses issued before October 1 2025 will remain valid until their expiry with details uploaded into the new system to allow for automated generation of consignment permits and seamless cargo clearance.
New Licensing Process
Importers, exporters or their customs agents will log into NESWS to apply for a master license. Once payment of NACADA’s gazetted fees is made via eCitizen the application will be reviewed and approved.
At the point of entry the same applicant will apply online for a consignment document (permit) which will be the final clearance for the goods. NACADA clarified that the permit will not attract any additional fees.
The authority has urged all stakeholders to prepare for the transition and assured them of technical support during the onboarding phase.
“Stakeholders should familiarize themselves with the system in readiness for onboarding. NACADA will provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition,” the statement added.
Background of Policy Debates
This comes after recent public debate on NACADA’s stricter recommendations on alcohol and substance control. In July 2025 NACADA was forced to clarify that proposals such as banning alcohol advertising, celebrity endorsements and sales in retail outlets were just recommendations and not laws.The other proposals included raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, creating alcohol free zones around schools and places of worship and stricter marketing restrictions.
While those proposals caused an uproar NACADA said any changes to the law would go through transparent multi-stakeholder consultation before implementation.
With this new licensing, the agency is modernizing trade while keeping a tight grip on Kenya’s alcohol industry.
Also Read: Malala Fires Back After Kioni Claims Gachagua Is Ruto’s Project
NACADA Moves Alcohol Licensing Online in Major Digital Shift