The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced changes in the processing of import and export licenses for alcoholic drinks and related products.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 26, NACADA said that beginning October 1, 2025, all licenses and consignment documents will be processed through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), which is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade).
"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 & consignment documents/permits for alcoholic drinks beverages and related products will be done through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (Trade Facilitation Platform - TFP managed by Kenya Trade Network Agency KenTrade)," the statement read.
NACADA explained that the new system will not only streamline applications but also enhance oversight of the alcohol trade sector.
"This integration is part of the Government's effort to streamline trade processes, enhance transparency, and improve regulatory oversight. The shift will centralize the clearance of all alcoholic beverages and related products under NACADA, reduce manual processing and delays through automated workflows. This, in turn, will strengthen compliance and data integrity across agencies," the statement added.
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While the new system will change the mode of processing applications, NACADA clarified that fees and charges for licensing will remain the same under current legal provisions.
Additionally, payments will continue to be made through the eCitizen platform, which has already been integrated into the Trade Facilitation Platform.
NACADA added that licenses issued before October 1, 2025, will not be affected; they will remain valid for their full duration, with details captured in the new system to allow automated consignment document generation and seamless cargo clearance.
NACADA called on industry stakeholders to ensure they are ready for the transition.
"All stakeholders are advised to prepare for the transition by familiarizing themselves with the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System in readiness for system onboarding. NACADA will provide the necessary support as may be required," the statement concluded.
This comes two months after the Ministry of Health issued a notice requiring all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of tobacco products to adopt new Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) on their product packaging.
In a gazette notice on Friday, June 13, the ministry noted that the move is aimed at intensifying public health protections in Kenya.
The ministry announced that the newly prescribed warnings will become mandatory on all tobacco product packages within nine months.
The GHWs include disturbing visuals showing the effects of second-hand smoke, accompanied by messages in both English and Kiswahili.
The ministry explained that the intervention is designed to increase public awareness of tobacco-related health risks.
It also aims to deter tobacco use, particularly among young people, while protecting non-smokers and vulnerable populations from second-hand smoke.
“This action represents a critical step in safeguarding Kenyans from the harms of tobacco use and aligns with Kenya’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC),” the ministry said.
