This particular incident left me with minor injuries which could have been much worse if I hadn't fled the scene as quickly as I did. Self-defense is an essential skill everyone should acquire and owning a gun is a sure way of deterring menacing attackers.
I'm not going to advocate for the impetuous use of guns here like in some other parts of the world. Owning a firearm is a huge responsibility and cannot be acquired on a whim. It's an intricate process that costs money and time.
Here's how you go about owning a gun in Kenya:
According to the National Gun Owners Association (NGOA), "The Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) in Kenya is responsible for regulating, licensing and controlling the manufacture, transportation, importation, exportation, repair, sale, storage, possession, and use of ammunition, firearms, airguns and destructive devices".
You must be age 21 and above to even consider getting a gun.
The first step is to report to the nearest police station to your area of residence and submit a formal request to own a gun to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
You will then be furnished with a form to fill. The form will also indicate the various documents that are mandatory for any gun owner.
The documents are listed as;
- A letter detailing why an individual is looking to own a gun.
- A letter from a psychiatrist confirming that one is of sound mind.
- A police clearance certificate also known as the certificate of good conduct.
- Certified bank statement to ascertain that one has a steady source of income.
- Clearance letter from the police station closest to your residence - the letter should be stamped.
- 4 Passport photos.
- A copy of ones National ID or Passport
- In case the applicant has had any incident or run in with any sort of criminals, he/she is required to provide the OB numbers for any filed cases.
The applicant, under normal circumstances is then called for a final interview before being directed to pay Ksh5,000 for the official certificate from the firearms bureau.
It is important to note that under the Firearms Act, a licensing officer may at any time by notice in writing vary the conditions subject to which a firearm certificate is held.
Upon the approval from the Inspector General, an applicant will become a holder of a gun license in Kenya.
