What It Takes To Own Armoured Vehicles In Kenya

A Toyota Landcruiser V8
A photo of a Toyota Landcruiser V8 at a showroom in Nairobi
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There has been an increase in demand for armoured vehicles in Kenya due to the rising cases of armed robbery, carjackings, abductions, and kidnappings in the country.

Nairobi has been hit the hardest with the majority of the gun-related crimes in the last couple of months being reported in the capital.

This, coupled with an alleged slow response by police, has prompted businessmen, politicians, celebrities, and industry leaders to dig deep into their pockets to attempt to enhance their safety.

Commotion along Thika road after a man was shot by unknown men on Tuesday, June 22.
Commotion along Thika road after a man was shot by unknown men on Tuesday, June 22.
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Daniel Gucoma, a car dealer, succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained when he was ambushed by armed goons at Gwa Kairo along Thika Road on June 22.

 

The assailants, who were on a motorbike sprayed his Subaru with bullets and sped off. The victim died while receiving treatment at Thika Level 5 Hospital.

Nabeel Joz, a dealer of armored vehicles, disclosed that his company, Joz Group has sold over 1000 armored cars in Kenya. 

“These vehicles are all over, but you can hardly notice them because they look like any other car on the streets," Joz intimated to The Nairobian.

Speaking to The Standard he revealed that the cost of armoring a vehicle ranges between $55,000 (Ksh5.5 million) and $100000 (Ksh10.7 million) depending on the level of protection. 

The levels of security include B4-small arms with bullet velocity of 400m/s and 1510 joules energy impact, B6- artillery with bullet speeds of 830m/s and 3,270 joules impact, and B7- meant for presidential vehicles.

Standard protection includes ballistic protection of the entire car floor, roof and windows, battery, and fuel tank. Armored vehicles also have a run-flat system that enables the vehicle to run on flat tires while maintaining speed and maneuverability.

Armouring involves using ballistic materials which are either rigid (titanium and steel) or supple (bulletproof glass). 

Bulletproof glass is made by layering a polycarbonate between ordinary glass. It protects the passenger allows the vehicle occupants to fire bullets from the inside but protects them from assailant bullets.

Kenyans seeking to import armored vehicles are required to obtain licenses from the  Firearms Licensing Board established in accordance with the Firearms Act. The board's role is to issue, cancel, terminate or vary any license or permit issued under the Act.

However, according to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) rules, the import of armoured combat vehicles is prohibited.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta's motorcade
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