Nairobi County records surge in liquor licences after LiquorPay system launch

Speaking while meeting with heads of the county’s Business and Hustler Opportunities sector, Johnson Sakaja said the new system has significantly improved licence uptake since its rollout.

“The LiquorPay system continues to help seal revenue leakages in liquor business licensing. We have also seen an increase in licence uptake in the month of February, with over 1,000 additional licences issued, which is a significant improvement just a month after the launch of the LiquorPay system,” Sakaja said.

The LiquorPay platform allows liquor business owners to apply, pay and obtain licences online, eliminating the need for physical visits to county offices and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

County Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities Anastacia Nyalita said the digital system simplifies the process for entrepreneurs seeking to start or operate liquor businesses.

“You don’t have to pay anyone to process registration for you. LiquorPay is a fully digital platform that allows business owners to apply and pay for liquor licences online without physically visiting county offices,” Nyalita said.

She added that the system is expected to boost county revenue by improving compliance and transparency in the licensing process.

According to the county, LiquorPay replaces the previous manual system that required physical inspections and multiple approvals before licences were issued — a process that often slowed applications and created opportunities for inefficiencies.

Nyalita noted that the platform eliminates hidden charges and middlemen, allowing business owners to plan their operations with greater financial certainty.

“With LiquorPay, all one needs is a laptop to log into the platform, describe the business, make payment online and print the licence,” she said.

Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities Lydia Mathia said the platform also improves transparency and reduces risks associated with cash handling.

“Once the inspection is completed and the premises approved, the applicant receives a full one-year liquor licence,” Mathia said.

The LiquorPay system follows the consolidation of several county licences under the Unified Business Permit as part of Nairobi’s broader strategy to digitise services, enhance transparency and strengthen revenue collection.