Owning a firearm in Kenya is considered both a privilege and a responsibility, with ownership restricted to personal protection or sporting activities such as hunting and target shooting.
Governed by stringent regulations to ensure public safety, the cost of firearm ownership is determined by various expenses including licensing fees, purchasing expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Here is a breakdown of what it takes to legally own a gun in Kenya.
1. Application Costs
You must first make an application to the officer in charge of licensing firearms.
Thereafter, fill in application forms from the Chief Licensing Officer at the firearms office, Nairobi.
A certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is required, after which you submit an application form at a nearby police station at fee of Kshs 2000.
You must also fulfill these requirements to be allowed to own a gun:
•Be 21 years old and above
•Must be trained in handling firearms
•Should have a clear criminal record
•Should be mentally stable and of sane mind.
You will then undergo rigorous vetting by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and be vetted again by the Firearms Licensing Board. FLB will either reject or approve your application.
2. Firearm Licensing Costs
Once approved, the next step in firearm ownership is obtaining a firearm certificate from the Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
The licensing process involves rigorous vetting, background checks, and an assessment of the applicant’s need for a firearm.
Application fees vary depending on the type of firearm. A rifle or shotgun permit costs Ksh 2,000, while a pistol or revolver permit is Ksh 5,000. The fee for a fishing gun is also Ksh 2,000, and an injection gun for industrial use costs Ksh 1,500.
The annual firearm permit renewal fee is Ksh 5,000. Payments can be made via credit card or Mpesa when applying through eCitizen.
3. Firearm Purchase Costs
Firearm prices in Kenya vary depending on the type, model, and brand, with high costs driven by import regulations and limited local suppliers.
Handguns (pistols) range between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 300,000, shotguns cost between Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 400,000, while rifles range from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000. Additionally, each round of ammunition is priced at Ksh 100.
4. Training and Certification Costs
Proper training is mandatory for firearm owners in Kenya to ensure safe handling and responsible use. Gun training typically costs between Ksh 2,000 and Ksh 5,000 per session, with some shooting ranges charging an average of Ksh 3,000 per hour. Prices may vary based on the type of firearm, ammunition used, and the specific training course offered.
Kenyans can practice shooting under the supervision of trained instructors at the following Training/Public Ranges:
• National Gun Owners Association of Kenya Shooting Range & Offices NGAO – Kirigiti, Kiambu.
This location offers courses for beginners and experienced shooters. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday (9 am – 5 pm) and on Sunday (9 am – 4 pm). Charges vary depending on course and firearm selection; expect around Kshs. 2,000 – 5,000 per session.
• KRRC Shooting Club Langata.
Primarily focused on shotgun clay shooting and pistol shooting, this location is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am – 4 pm). Charges are Kshs. 1,200 per round of 25 clays for shotguns and Kshs. 1,500 for pistol shooting
• JCK Shooting Range Ngong
This shooting range offers pistol and rifle shooting, with courses available from Tuesday to Sunday (8 am – 6 pm). Charges vary depending on firearm and ammunition; expect around Kshs. 1,500 – 3,000 per session
5. Maintenance and Accessories
Firearm maintenance is crucial for functionality and longevity. As a new gun owner, remember to invest in accessories such as holsters and safes to esnsure storage and easy carrying.
Gun Cleaning Kits usually range between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 10,000 and gun safes cost around Kshs Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 80,000.
Owning a firearm in Kenya requires substantial financial investment and legal responsibility. Prospective owners must budget for initial and recurring costs and stay updated on regulations to ensure compliance.
