How to Legally Acquire a Civilian Firearms Certificate in Kenya

Kenyan citizens who wish to legally possess a firearm must follow a specific procedure. The Firearms Act Cap 114 Laws of Kenya outlines this process. This blog post is brought to you by Luvisia Digital. It aims to provide a clear and step-by-step guide. You will learn how to acquire a civilian firearms certificate in Kenya.

Please note: This information is based on the procedures outlined in the Firearms Act and on the National Police Website. It is crucial to contact the relevant authorities. Specifically, reach out to the Central Firearms Bureau and your local police station. They can provide the most up-to-date information and any specific requirements that apply to your situation.

Process for Obtaining a New Civilian Firearms Certificate

The process for a first-time applicant involves several stages. It starts at the local police level. The application then progresses through various security committees. Finally, it reaches the Commissioner of Police for final approval.

Step 1: Obtain and Fill Prescribed Forms at Your Local Police Station

Visit your local Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS).
Request the prescribed Form 1 for firearm certificate application.
You will need to fill out these forms in duplicate.
The OCS will assist you in completing the forms correctly.
Upon completion, the OCS will hand you the duplicate copy of Form 1.

Step 2: Forward Your Duplicate Copy to the Central Firearms Bureau

First, obtain your duplicate copy of Form 1. Next, you are responsible for forwarding it to the Central Firearms Bureau (CFB).
Send it to the following address:
Chief Licensing Officer,
Central Firearms Bureau,
P.O. Box 30263,
Nairobi 00100.

Step 3: The Original Application’s Journey Through Security Committees

The original copy of your Form 1 will be retained by the OCS.
The OCS will then forward this original copy to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD).
The OCPD will conduct a thorough assessment and provide a comprehensive recommendation regarding your application.
Your application and the OCPD’s recommendation will first be reviewed by the District Security Committee (DSC). Afterward, the Provincial Security Committee (PSC) will deliberate on it.
Finally, the application will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police for their final approval.

Step 4: Decision Notification from the Chief Licensing Officer

The Commissioner of Police will make a decision on your application. The Chief Licensing Officer at the Central Firearms Bureau will then communicate the outcome to you in writing.
This letter will inform you of the decision (approval or rejection) and outline the next steps you need to take.

Annual Renewal of Your Firearm Certificate

A civilian firearm certificate in Kenya is not a one-time acquisition; it requires annual renewal to remain valid. The renewal process also has specific steps:

(a) Receiving Renewal Reminders and Forms:

As a licensee, you should receive a CEDR – “Certificate expiry date reminder” via postal mail.
This reminder will enclose two crucial forms:
- Form 3: The official renewal application form.
- Form 16: A form used for the mandatory inspection of your firearms.

(b) Firearm Inspection at Your Nearest Police Station:

Upon receiving these forms, you need to take your firearm certificate and the firearms themselves to your nearest Police Station.
Request the Officer-in-Charge to inspect your firearms and complete the inspection certificate (Form 16).

To renew your firearm license, you must send the following documents by registered post to the Central Firearms Bureau:
- Your original firearm certificate.
- A complete set of application forms (Form 3 and a new Form 1, though the reminder should clarify).
- The completed inspection certificate (Form 16).
- The appropriate renewal fee.

Send these documents to:

Central Firearms Bureau,

P. O. Box 30263-00100,

NAIROBI .

(d) Payment of Renewal Fees:

Payments for firearm license renewal should be made payable to the “Commissioner of Police”.
Acceptable payment methods include:
- Cash
- Money Orders
- Bankers Cheques
Personal cheques are NOT accepted.
If using cheques or postal orders, ensure they are crossed.

(e) Location of the Central Firearms Bureau:

For those who may need to visit the bureau in person, the Central Firearms Bureau is located along ‘MILIMANI ROAD’. This is especially important for licensees within Nairobi Province. It is within the compound of the new Nairobi Area Police Headquarters.

(f) Procedure for Licensees Outside Nairobi Province:

The procedures outlined in steps (a) through (d) above are specifically applicable to licensees who reside outside Nairobi Province.

(g) Special Instructions for Licensees Within Nairobi Province:

Licensees residing within Nairobi Province have a slightly different procedure for renewal:
- Upon receiving the application forms for renewal, you must take the relevant forms personally to the Central Firearms Bureau.
- Sending someone else to submit the forms on your behalf will not be allowed by the Licensing Officers.
- You must also bring the appropriate renewal fee with you when you submit the forms in person.

Cancellation or Revocation of a Firearm Certificate in Kenya

The Chief Licensing Officer has the authority to cancel or revoke a firearm certificate under specific circumstances:

If the holder is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm under the Firearms Act.
If the holder is deemed to have intemperate habits, they cannot be entrusted with a firearm. Similarly, a holder who is of unsound mind is also unfit. Any other condition making the holder unfit also prevents them from being entrusted with a firearm.
If the holder fails to comply with a notice requiring them to surrender their firearm certificate.

If a revocation occurs, the Licensing Officer will issue a written notice. This notice requires the holder to surrender the certificate within fourteen days. Failure to do so is a punishable offense, leading to a fine not exceeding one thousand shillings.

Important Note Regarding Appeals: If an appeal is lodged against the revocation, the surrender requirement is suspended. This suspension lasts until the appeal is abandoned or dismissed. In such cases, the fourteen-day period starts from the date the appeal is abandoned or dismissed.

False Statements: Providing any false information to procure a firearm certificate (for yourself or another person) is a serious offense. This offense is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months. Alternatively, a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings, or both, may be imposed.

Location of Kenya National Police Service Offices

The National Police Service headquarters is situated at:
Jogoo House A, fourth floor along Taifa Road, Nairobi.

This is the headquarters. Your primary point of contact for the initial application process will be your local Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS). The contact is the same for renewal processes. You will also contact the Central Firearms Bureau along Milimani Road in Nairobi.

Disclaimer: Luvisia Digital provides this information for general guidance only. Laws and procedures can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Central Firearms Bureau and your local police authorities. Stay informed and follow the legal channels to acquire your civilian firearms certificate in Kenya.

Luvisia Digital specializes in visa and government services such as student visa applications worldwide. We also offer services for visitor visas worldwide. Our aim is to empower Kenyans with important information regarding various legal processes. Should you have any questions about other government services, feel free to reach out.