Kenya’s private gun owners may soon be subjected to stricter regulations, including an annual psychiatric evaluation and mandatory insurance for accidental discharges. These proposed amendments to the country’s firearms legislation were discussed at a recent retreat in Naivasha, attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and officials from various security agencies.
The familiarization retreat brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Internal Security Department, Immigration and Citizen Services, Correctional Services, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya Police Service, and the Firearms Licensing Board. The meeting aimed to review security policies and enhance coordination among government agencies responsible for law enforcement.
The push for tighter gun regulations comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of firearms by licensed private gun owners. Recent incidents, including fatal accidental discharges and cases of road rage leading to shootings, have raised alarm. The government is now seeking to ensure that all firearm holders undergo regular mental health assessments to determine their fitness to own and use guns.
Additionally, the proposal includes mandatory insurance coverage for accidental discharges, a move aimed at providing financial protection in cases where firearm mishandling leads to injuries or fatalities. If implemented, these measures would represent a significant shift in Kenya’s approach to gun ownership, emphasizing accountability and safety.
During the retreat, Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance Delivery Services in the Executive Office of the President, underscored the importance of effective communication in showcasing government achievements. He stressed that Chiefs and other local administrators should actively inform citizens about development projects, rather than allowing politicians to dominate public engagements.
“It is you as technocrats who can verify projects, not politicians who are only interested in political mileage,” Owalo noted, emphasizing the need for transparency in project implementation.
Interior CS Murkomen also highlighted the significance of the newly introduced Maisha Number project, which aims to streamline citizen identification from birth. He stated that with this digital identity system in place, manual vetting processes for individuals, especially those from border regions, would become obsolete.
“With a Maisha Number, you are identified from birth, allowing us to access your complete bio-data, including information about your relatives,” Murkomen explained.
The retreat was attended by senior government officials, including PS Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo, PS Immigration Prof. Julius Bitok, PS Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, DCI Director Mohammed Amin, and IPOA Chair Dr. Isaak Hassan.
As discussions continue, stakeholders will determine the best approach to implement these proposed firearm regulations while balancing individual rights and national security
