So i assume you are using kicad 4.0.x (as kicad nightly already spreads footprints on import)
In that version of kicad there is a global spread and place tool available in the default (= legacy) canvas. Canvas switching is done using the view menu or shortcuts (F9 => default , F11 => open-gl)
The tool is in the context menu (= right click menu) if the legacy canvas is switched to “Footprint mode” (button in the top toolbar 
)