From October 1, 2025, the processing of import and export licences and Consignment Documents/Permits for alcoholic beverages and related products will be conducted through the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), which is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) announced on Tuesday.
The move, according to the public notice, is part of a national initiative aimed at streamlining trade processes, enhancing transparency, and strengthening regulatory oversight.
As NACADA stated, “This integration is part of a national initiative aimed at streamlining trade processes, enhancing transparency, and strengthening regulatory oversight.”
By migrating these processes into NESWS, NACADA will centralise clearance of all alcoholic beverages, reduce manual processing and delays through automated workflows, and improve compliance and data integrity across agencies.
NACADA clarified that “All fees related to licensing remain unchanged and will continue to be governed by existing legal provisions.”
Furthermore, it announced that “Payments will be made exclusively via the eCitizen platform, integrated with the NESWS, to ensure secure and efficient transactions.”
Licences that were issued before the 1st October 2025 transition date will remain valid for their original duration. However, NACADA confirmed that details of such licences “will be uploaded into the NESWS using the approved information, enabling the automated generation of consignment documents, seamless online cargo release, and the elimination of manual, non-transparent clearance processes.”
The Authority provided a two-step process for stakeholders, where in step one, application for import or export licence, importers, exporters, or their customs agents must log into NESWS to apply for a Master Document/License.
NACADA also made clear that “Payment is made according to NACADA’s gazetted fees, after which the application is submitted for approval.”
In step two, clearance of alcoholic beverages, on arrival of shipments at the point of entry, importers, exporters, or their customs agents are required to log into NESWS again to apply for a Consignment Document (Permit). As NACADA highlighted, “The permit serves as clearance and does not attract any fees.”
The agency urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with NESWS to avoid disruptions. “In preparation for the transition, all stakeholders are urged to familiarise themselves with the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS) in readiness for onboarding. NACADA will provide the necessary onboarding support as required.”
The notice emphasised that the integration with KenTrade will eliminate inefficiencies linked to manual clearance processes, while ensuring better regulatory oversight of alcoholic beverages and related imports and exports.
This announcement marks a significant shift in Kenya’s approach to regulating alcoholic beverage imports and exports. From October, licensing and clearance will become fully digital through NESWS, with NACADA stressing its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and compliance.