This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
Places In Kenya Where You Can Shoot Real Guns For Fun ¶
Shooting a gun in Kenya is associated with trained security officers, but private citizens who are licensed gun holders can also carry a gun with them. For those seeking thrilling outdoor activities, visiting a shooting range could be a creative addition to their bucket list.
There are places in Kenya where a private citizen can head out to practice guns safely and under instruction. The Kenya Rifles Regiment Club (KRRC) in Langata and the National Gun Owners Association shooting range located in Kirigiti, Kiambu county, are such places.
The KRRC was established in 1952 and has been a pioneer of developing shooting as a sport in Kenya. It is located at the Sailing Club in Langata and is easily accessible via matatu and city bus. The access road to the club has recently been tarmacked and is now very smooth and convenient.
To access this facility, you will be required to carry your national identification card. The minimum age to participate in the shooting is 14 years old, and you will also be required to pay an entrance fee of Ksh 2000 and another Ksh 2500 for 50 rounds of ammunition.
NGAO provides professional training for licensed firearm holders in the proper use, handling, and safe storage of firearms. They have a desire to promote shooting as a sport in the Olympics, Commonwealth games, and other sporting events.
NGAO has partnered with Kenya Prisons Staff Training College Range Ruiru to organize competitions that bring together civilian firearm holders and members of the disciplined forces – Kenya Defense Forces, Kenya Prisons & Kenya Police.
The Kirigiti based shooting range is located at Gitata Farm, in Kiambu county. You can take the bus number 100 from Odeon in the CBD and alight at Kirigiti stadium, then proceed to the Gitata farm where the shooting happens. The charges for the training are Ksh 10,000, and you are sure to be trained proficiently by the gun masters.
Anyone looking to own a gun in Kenya is mandated to go through a laid-out process in the Firearms Act. The first step is to report to the nearest police station to your area of residence and submit a formal request to own a gun to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
You will then be provided with a form to fill, which will indicate the various documents that are mandatory for any gun owner. These documents include a letter detailing why an individual is looking to own a gun, a letter from a psychiatrist confirming that one is of sound mind, a police clearance certificate, certified bank statement, clearance letter from the police station closest to your residence, four passport photos, a copy of the National ID or Passport, and OB numbers for any filed cases.
The internal vetting process usually takes an estimated 3 months, depending on the workload at the licensing board. The applicant is then called to a final interview before being directed to pay Ksh 5,000 for the official certificate.
