From October 1, 2025, businesses dealing in the import or export of alcoholic drinks will no longer rely on manual paperwork to secure their licences.
All applications and consignment documents will instead be processed through the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, widely known as the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP).
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) confirmed the change on Tuesday.
The authority said the new system is meant to bring all processes under one digital roof, replacing the fragmented methods traders have been accustomed to.
For existing licences, officials explained that they will remain valid until their expiry dates.
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However, traders will still be required to register those details on TFP so that shipments can be cleared without disruptions.
NACADA clarified that there will be no extra charges arising from the new arrangement.
Payments for licences will continue through the eCitizen portal, which has been linked with the TFP system.
The agency said the shift is intended to improve coordination among regulators, speed up clearances at ports, and create a more reliable record of alcohol consignments entering or leaving the country.
“By moving to an automated and digitised workflow, the government seeks to improve coordination across partner agencies to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements,” the agency stated.
Traders have been urged to acquaint themselves with the system well ahead of the deadline.
NACADA has indicated that training materials, user guides, and help desks will be provided to ease the transition.
The authority maintains that late onboarding could slow down licensing and cargo clearance once the new framework takes effect, and is urging stakeholders to take up the training opportunities as soon as they are rolled out.
