Government to begin fresh vetting of firearm holders

The government will begin a fresh vetting process of civilians in possession of firearms with a view to certifying their suitability to own guns.

During the exercise expected to start later this month, civilian gun holders must also avail their  weapons  for  review  and  certificates  for authentication, if qualified , they will be issued with new smart licenses.

The process that is meant to curb increased cases of criminality in the country amid reports that some licensed gun holders could be working in cahoots with criminal elements has now taken a whole new turn.

Through a statement to newsrooms, interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i has directed that beginning the 17^th of December; the new team at the licensing and firearms board will begin a 90-day rigorous verification exercise of all firearms certificates in the country.

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The  Board  will  also  establish,  maintain,  and  monitor  a  centralized  Electronic Register of all private citizens holding firearm.

Only the police officers under the National Police Service (NPS), the military personnel under the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and officers working under the Kenya Wildlife Service KWS) and members of other security agencies will be exempted from this vetting exercise.

After March 17, 2019 deadline, all firearms un-vetted certificates held by civilians will be considered expired and thus invalid.

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