Firearm ownership in Kenya operates under a highly regulated framework designed to balance personal security needs with public safety concerns.
The Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) oversees a rigorous application process that typically takes several months to complete. It includes thorough background checks and mandatory safety training requirements.
Therefore, if you are looking forward to owning a gun in Kenya, you should be aware that not all Kenyans are eligible to own a gun. It is only allowed to vetted individuals with legitimate reasons for ownership. To increase your probability of getting a firearm that is available to you directly, it is crucial that you prepare yourself to know the process involved, what the requirements are, and even the costs you might likely incur.
So, how much is a gun license in Kenya? Here is everything that you need to know.
Who Governs Firearm Licensing in Kenya?
When it comes to all matters related to Firearms in Kenya, the sole organization mandated to carry out the licensing and regulation of firearm ownership across Kenya is the Firearms Licensing Board (FLB). Its functions are clearly stipulated under the Firearms Act (Cap. 114).
The FLB carries out its operations by working closely with various government agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for background checks and the National Intelligence Service for security vetting.
Requirements for firearm licensing in Kenya
There are different types of firearms licenses that you can obtain in Kenya, ranging from Self-Defense Licenses (for personal protection) to hunting Licenses ( for regulated hunting), Sport Shooting Licenses ( for competitive shooting sports), and Private Security Licenses ( for licensed security personnel and companies). Therefore, before you apply for each of these meetings, the requirements set in place by FLB are what will permit you to have a license under your name.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- You must be at least 21 years old and provide proof of Kenyan citizenship through national ID or passport documentation.
- You must have no criminal record, and thus, a Certificate of Good Conduct is necessary for verification. It is available through making an application via the DCI headquarters or the eCitizen portal at only Ksh 1,050
- You must provide a psychiatric report from a government hospital to confirm mental fitness for firearm ownership.
- You must provide six months of bank statements and a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), which acts as Proof of legitimate income or employment that you are able to maintain and secure firearm equipment properly.
The Application Process
The process of getting a Valid firearm license in Kenya is quite easy, given that you have met all the requirements, and difficult if you haven’t, especially the psychiatric evaluation part. Some of the disqualification factors include diagnosed anger management issues, substance abuse disorders, depression with suicidal ideation, or any mental health condition that could compromise safe firearm handling.
Otherwise, you can proceed with your application, and the process involved is as follows:
Step 1: Obtain Application Form
The first step is ensuring that you have the firearm application form. For those in Nairobi County and nearby environments, you can obtain these by visiting the FLB office at the police Pavilion in South C, and you will be assisted with getting one. But if you are not from there, you can eventually get the Firearm Application form directly from the FLB website.
Step 2: Complete Documentation
Once you have filled out the application as needed in all sections, next you need to
Compile all required certificates, including medical reports, psychological evaluation, Certificate of Good Conduct, and proof of income. Double-check that all documents are current and properly certified.
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
The Last step is to submit your completed application package in person at the FLB office or designated police station. Then, pay the KSh 2,000 application fee through approved payment channels and obtain an official receipt.
What’s next after submitting your Application
When you submit your application, the process suddenly doesn’t end there. Here is what happens next:
- Attend Personal Interview: You must participate in a personal interview with FLB officials to assess your firearm knowledge, safety awareness, and genuine need for ownership.
- Undergo Background Checks: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations conducts thorough vetting, including criminal history verification, community background checks, and security threat assessment.
- Await Approval Decision: The FLB reviews your complete application, which typically takes several weeks to months.
- Complete Mandatory Training: Upon conditional approval, you will undergo a firearm safety course with certified instructors. The process costs KSh 5,000-15,000, depending on your license type, and the training covers practical handling, safety protocols, and legal responsibilities.
- Ballistic Testing and Registration: The last process involves submitting your firearm for test firing at DCI Headquarters for ballistic fingerprinting. You will receive your Ballistic Test Certificate and complete final registration in the national firearms database.
What is the cost of a gun license in Kenya?
While it is mandatory to pay the KSh 2000 application fee to have a gun license, there are still some hidden charges beyond these fees. These charges can be for mandatory training, equipment costs, and annual renewal expenses. The True cost of Firearm Ownership is as follows:
| Cost Component | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | KSh 2,000 | Non-refundable government processing fee |
| Good Conduct Certificate | KSh 1,050 | DCI issuance valid for one year |
| Psychological Evaluation | KSh 2,000-5,000 | Government hospital assessment |
| Firearm Safety Training | KSh 5,000-15,000 | Mandatory certified course |
| Firearm Purchase | KSh 100,000-350,000 | Varies by type and quality |
| Annual Renewal Fee | KSh 1,000-5,000 | Varies by license type |
FLB Contacts
If you need any help, you can reach out to the organization using the following contacts:
- Phone:0202000219 / 0202100525
- Email:info@firearms.or.ke
Well, we hope that this guide has helped you understand all the processes involved in securing fire arm licenses in Kenya. The process itself requires careful attention to detailed regulations and thorough preparation throughout the multi-stage process.
