Sakaja’s LiquorPay digital system streamlines Nairobi’s business

Lydia Mathia, Chief Officer, Business and Hustler Opportunities during the launch of LiquorPay at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi on January 30, 2026/HANDOUT

For years, the dream of owning a wine and spirits business in Nairobi often stalled at government offices, slowed by paperwork and informal intermediaries.

Following the consolidation of Nairobi City County licences under the Unified Business Permit (UBP), the county has unveiled LiquorPay, an end-to-end automated digital platform designed to streamline liquor licensing.

Officials say the system eliminates manual processes and aims to deliver faster and more transparent services.

“We are making Nairobi a city of order and dignity. LiquorPay means no more queues, no more ‘missing files’ and no more brokers. It is clean, it is fast and it works. Transparency is the best incentive for investment,” said Lydia Mathia, County Chief Officer for Business and Hustler Opportunities.

She added that the digital payment system reduces hidden costs, allowing entrepreneurs to plan their cash flow more accurately from the start.

Ms Mathia said the platform could increase the number of registered wine and spirits businesses by 30%.

“With Governor Sakaja’s support, starting a wine and spirits shop or restaurant in Nairobi is now as easy as sending money via M-Pesa. LiquorPay has opened the digital door to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs,” she said.

According to the county, applicants can register through the Nairobi Services portal and follow the instructions for payment via M-Pesa paybill number 4185885, indicating invoice details.

Successful applicants receive a 21-day provisional licence, during which county officers conduct an inspection of the premises.

Once approved, applicants are issued with a one-year liquor licence.