How To Be a Licensed Gun Holder in Kenya

This article highlights how to be a licensed gun holder in Kenya and factors that may lead to the revocation of your license.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Gun In Kenya?

First, handguns in Kenya are legally sold between Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 300,000 while shotguns can cost you from Ksh 160,000 – Ksh 350,000…quite an amount there.

What qualifications do you need to own a gun in Kenya?

For you to own a gun in Kenya, one must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be well-trained in handling firearms
  • Have a clear criminal and mental record

How To Get A Gun License In Kenya

The following is the procedure for owning a gun in Kenya as stipulated by the Firearms Act.

1. Make an application to a licensing officer for firearms certificates to be licensed gun owners.

2. Fill out application forms obtained from the Chief Licencing officer at the firearms bureau in Nairobi.

3. Obtain a certificate of good conduct then clear from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation where your fingerprints will be recorded and then a certificate of good conduct issued.

4. Submission of the application form and payment of an application fee (Ksh 2000) to the nearest police station and then further go for vetting by the National Intelligence Service(NIS).

5. Vetting is then done by the Firearm Licencing Board.

6. Next, you can be approved for licensing or your application rejected. But once approved, your name will be forwarded to the Inspector General of police who may again approve or reject your application…it’s that hard to get a firearm license in Kenya.

7. Once approved by the Inspector General, the license can be then issued by the Chief Licencing Officer.

8. Once approved and licensed, the applicant should pay a fee and renew the license yearly.

Your application can be disqualified on the basis that;

  • You are temperamental
  • You cannot or may not store the gun safely
  • You are insane

Upon licensing, it can be revoked again if you;

  • Misuse your gun while drunk or sober
  • Removing the serial number of the firearm
  • Storing it carelessly and risking losing it

Firearms Licensing Board Contacts

Phone: 020 2000219

Location: Migwani Rd, Nairobi

DCI Headquarters Contacts

Phone: 020 3343312, 020 7202000

Location: Mazingira Complex, Kiambu Road, opp. Kenya Forest Service Headquarters, Karura

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