Firearm Licensing Board Chairman, Charles Mukindia, on Thursday, announced a mandatory re-evaluation exercise of all licensed gun holders.
In his directive, all firearm holders within Nairobi County are to report to the licensing board offices for evaluation on Monday, February 4, 2019.
“The vetting exercise of all firearm certificate holders is mandatory for all persons in possession of such firearm licenses and permits,” he asserted.
The process was allocated a four day period following which, any firearm holder who will not have showed up, will be in breach of a government decree.
Mukindia informed the holders that they are supposed to submit their supporting documents as well as all firearms and ammunition during the vetting exercise.
“For all other regions across the country, vetting dates shall be communicated later through print and electronic media,” he announced.
Once verified, the holders will then undergo ballistic analysis at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices.
After the verification and ballistic analysis, the holders will then be issued with the new smart licenses.
This is in line with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i's directive late last year, that all gun owners were to undergo a mandatory fresh evaluation within three months.
He explained that the decision was a matter of national security following lapses in the oversight of gun ownership and use by private citizens.
Mukindia went on to clarify the individuals who will not partake in the exercise to include; the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Prison Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Forest Service and other senior government officers in the security sector.
