NACADA TO SHIFT ALCOHOL LICENSING TO ONLINE TRADE PLATFORM FROM OCTOBER 2025

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a major change in how import and export licenses for alcoholic beverages and related products will be processed. In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, NACADA stated that starting October 1, 2025, all licenses and consignment documentation will be handled exclusively through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP). This system is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).

NACADA emphasized that this integration is part of a broader government initiative to streamline trade procedures, enhance transparency, and strengthen regulatory oversight. According to the agency, the digital platform will centralize the processing of alcoholic product clearances, reduce delays associated with manual applications, and improve data accuracy and compliance monitoring across various agencies.

While the shift will change the application process, existing fees and charges will remain unchanged, in accordance with current legal frameworks. NACADA also confirmed that payments will continue to be made via the eCitizen platform, which is already integrated into the TFP system. Additionally, the agency clarified that licenses issued prior to October 1, 2025, will remain valid for their full duration. These licenses will be uploaded into the new system to allow for automated consignment documentation and smoother cargo clearance processes.

NACADA urged all industry players to prepare for the transition by familiarizing themselves with the TFP platform and assured that it will offer support where needed during on boarding. This development follows a recent move by the Ministry of Health, which issued a directive requiring all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of tobacco products to adopt new Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) on packaging. The announcement, made through a gazette notice on Friday, June 13, aims to intensify public health protections in Kenya. The new GHWs, which include graphic images illustrating the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, will also carry messages in both English and Kiswahili.