Kenya is set to introduce tougher regulations for private gun owners, following a series of incidents involving accidental shootings and road rage-related gun violence. The proposed amendments to the Firearms Act were discussed at a recent familiarization retreat attended by key officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Among the significant changes being proposed are mandatory annual psychiatric evaluations for all private gun owners and insurance coverage to protect against accidental discharges. These measures are being considered in response to mounting concerns over the safety risks posed by firearms in civilian hands.
The retreat, held in Naivasha, was attended by top officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was joined by representatives from Internal Security, Immigration and Citizen Services, Correctional Services, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Firearms Licensing Board. The discussions focused on strengthening oversight and ensuring that firearm ownership in Kenya remains safe and responsible.
Private gun ownership in Kenya has recently been under scrutiny due to a number of high-profile cases involving accidental discharges and violent incidents fueled by firearms. These occurrences have sparked public concern, with many calling for more stringent checks on who is allowed to own and carry firearms.
Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance Delivery Services in the Executive Office of the President, emphasized the importance of improving communication between the government and the public. He encouraged local civil servants, including Chiefs, to take an active role in showcasing government achievements. Owalo believes that by effectively communicating ongoing projects, citizens will have a better understanding of what the government is doing for their communities, which in turn will help bridge the trust gap between the public and the government.
Owalo also cautioned against the over-politicization of government initiatives. He urged that only verified, budgeted projects should be launched to avoid disappointment among citizens. “It is you as technocrats who can verify projects, not politicians who are only interested in political mileage,” he stated.
In addition to addressing firearm regulation, the retreat also saw praise for the government’s recent directive to eliminate the vetting process for individuals from border areas. Interior CS Murkomen highlighted the positive impact of the Maisha Number project, which aims to streamline identification by linking citizens’ personal data from birth. This digital system is expected to make manual screening processes obsolete, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error.
Other notable figures in attendance included PS for Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo, PS for Immigration Prof. Julius Bitok, PS for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco, Police IG Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohammed Amin, and IPOA Chair Dr. Isaak Hassan.
As Kenya moves towards stricter regulations on gun ownership, the government is signaling a commitment to ensuring public safety while addressing the growing concerns surrounding private firearm use. With the proposed changes, there is hope that incidents of gun-related violence will decrease, and the public can feel more secure knowing that stricter measures are in place for responsible gun ownership.
