Owning a firearm is a serious responsibility, and Kenya’s laws make sure only the right people qualify. Someone may want a gun for personal protection, business security, or other legitimate reasons.
However, the country has strict checks to prevent misuse. Understanding how to get a gun license in Kenya is important for anyone planning to own a firearm.
The process involves thorough background checks, medical reports, training, and approval by the Firearms Licensing Board. With proper guidance, the application becomes easier to complete.
How to get a gun license in Kenya
Applying for a gun license in Kenya is lengthy but straightforward if you follow the requirements. The steps ensure only qualified and responsible individuals are cleared to own firearms. Below is the procedure you must follow.
Application and documentation
The first step is to visit the Kenya Firearms Bureau at the Police Pavilion in South C, Nairobi. Here, the Chief Licensing Officer issues the prescribed Firearm Application Form 1. Fill it carefully and gather all necessary attachments. These include:
- A copy of your identity card or passport
- A certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- A physical and mental fitness certificate from a government hospital
- A valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
- Six months of bank statements
Applicants must also provide fingerprints at the DCI office, where clearance costs KSh 1,050. This process normally takes at least two weeks. Once the documents are ready, submit the completed form to your nearest police station.
Security vetting and approval
After submission, the application undergoes multiple levels of vetting. The county security committee and the district security intelligence committee review the details before forwarding them. If approved, the names of cleared applicants are sent to the Inspector General of Police. The Inspector General has the final authority to instruct the Chief Licensing Officer to issue a license.
If successful, the applicant becomes a licensed gun holder in Kenya. This certificate allows ownership, purchase, and use of firearms within the law.
Requirements for firearm licensing in Kenya
Kenya maintains strict conditions for licensing to ensure that firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. To qualify, an applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Undergo psychiatric assessment at a government hospital
- Present a Tax Compliance Certificate
- Complete mandatory firearm training from a recognized institution
It is also important to note that civilians cannot own weapons reserved for the military or police. Firearms such as AK-47 rifles, MP5s, and G3 rifles remain restricted to security agencies.
Applicants should also be prepared for the costs involved. The firearm application form costs KSh 2,000. Firearms sold legally in Kenya range from KSh 100,000 to KSh 350,000, depending on the type. Firearm training costs between KSh 5,000 and KSh 15,000, depending on the institution.
Reasons for rejection or revocation of a firearm license in Kenya
Not all applications succeed. Authorities can reject firearm license requests if the applicant is deemed unfit. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Mental instability or lack of emotional control
- History of aggression, short temper, or violence
- Inability to handle or store firearms safely
Even after approval, a firearm license can be revoked. This happens if the holder misuses the gun, fails to renew the license, or becomes a public safety risk. Specific reasons for revocation include:
- Using a firearm while intoxicated
- Storing the weapon carelessly, creating danger to the public
- Tampering with or removing the gun’s serial number
- Engaging in misconduct or crime
These rules emphasize that gun ownership in Kenya is a privilege, not a right. Licenses exist to protect public safety while allowing responsible citizens to defend themselves and their businesses.
Key facts about gun licensing in Kenya
- A firearm license is an official permit allowing a civilian to own, buy, or carry a gun.
- The Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) regulates all firearm matters in Kenya. This includes licensing, control of ammunition, transport, sale, and storage.
- Except for government agencies, no one can legally own a gun without a valid certificate.
- The entire application process can take several months due to security vetting and medical checks.
Learning how to get a gun license in Kenya is essential for anyone considering firearm ownership. The process is strict, costly, and detailed, but it ensures that only qualified individuals handle guns.
From application and documentation to security vetting and approval by the Inspector General, each step focuses on public safety.
