The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a major shift in the way alcohol import and export licenses are processed in Kenya. Starting October 1, 2025, the entire licensing procedure will move to the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).
According to NACADA CEO, Anthony Omerikwa, the transition is aimed at making the licensing process more efficient, transparent, and less prone to corruption or delays. Importers and exporters will now be required to log in to the NESWS platform, submit their applications, pay the applicable fees via the eCitizen platform, and await approval.
In addition, upon the arrival of alcoholic products at Kenyan entry points, importers, exporters, or customs agents must apply for a consignment document (permit) through the same system. NACADA clarified that the permit serves solely as a clearance document and does not attract any fees.
The authority emphasized that the shift is part of a national initiative to streamline trade processes, enhance regulatory oversight, and centralize clearance of all alcoholic beverages under NACADA. By automating workflows, the system is expected to reduce manual processing, eliminate unnecessary delays, and improve compliance and data integrity across agencies.
However, licenses issued before October 1, 2025, will remain valid until their expiry dates, with details uploaded into the new platform to ensure a smooth transition.
NACADA further urged all stakeholders including importers, exporters, and customs agents to familiarize themselves with the NESWS ahead of the onboarding phase. The agency also pledged to provide the necessary support to ensure a seamless adoption of the new system.
Stakeholders can access a step-by-step guide to the new licensing process on the NACADA website.
