In Kenya, getting a gun license is a formal legal process handled by the Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) under the National Police Service, not a casual purchase from a shop. In this guide, you will learn the 2026 requirements, full application steps, and all the hidden costs of owning a legal firearm in Kenya.
Firearm ownership in Kenya operates under a highly regulated framework designed to balance personal security needs with public safety concerns.
The FLB oversees a rigorous application process that typically takes several months to complete. It includes thorough background checks and mandatory safety training requirements, as guided by the Firearms Act (Cap. 114). Find this PDF attached at the end of the article.
Therefore, if you are looking forward to owning a gun in Kenya, you should be aware that not all Kenyans are eligible to own a gun. It is only allowed to vetted individuals with legitimate reasons for ownership. To increase your probability of getting a firearm that is available to you directly, you must prepare yourself to know the process involved, what the requirements are, and even the costs you might likely incur.
So, how much is a gun license in Kenya? Here is everything that you need to know.
Requirements for firearm licensing in Kenya
There are different types of firearms licenses you can obtain in Kenya, ranging from Self-Defense Licenses (for personal protection) to hunting Licenses (for regulated hunting), Sport Shooting Licenses (for competitive shooting sports), and Private Security Licenses (for licensed security personnel and companies). Each of these gun licenses demands that the applicant meet the eligibility criteria, which are as follows:
- You must be at least 21 years old and provide proof of Kenyan citizenship, such as a national ID or passport.
- You must have no criminal record; therefore, a Certificate of Good Conduct is required for verification. It is available for Ksh 1,050 upon application through the DCI headquarters or the eCitizen portal.
- You must provide a psychiatric report from a government hospital to confirm mental fitness for firearm ownership.
- You must provide six months of bank statements and a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), which acts as Proof of legitimate income or employment that you are able to maintain and secure firearm equipment properly.
- You may also be asked to provide proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill, rent receipt, or lease agreement, to confirm your address.
- You might also be required to submit written references from reputable individuals who can vouch for your character and genuine need for a firearm.
Why You Might be Disqualified even after meeting the Requirements
Apart from medical and criminal issues, the licensing officer can refuse a firearm license if there is any sign that you may misuse the weapon or pose a risk to public safety. This includes being of intemperate habits, having a history of violence, or failing to satisfy the authorities that you have a genuine and lawful reason for wanting a gun.
Even after approval, your certificate can be suspended or revoked if you later become unfit to be entrusted with a firearm or if you breach the conditions that were attached to your license.
The Application Process
As long as you meet the basic requirements above, obtaining a gun license in Kenya is relatively easy, though it requires detailed steps, as outlined below. In addition to ensuring the process goes smoothly, read the Firearms Act Cap to understand all that entails a gun license in Kenya.
30.-Firearms-Act-CAP-114The application steps are as follows:
Step 1: Obtain Application Form
The first step is ensuring that you have the firearm application form. For those in Nairobi County and nearby areas, you can obtain one by visiting the FLB office at the police Pavilion in South C, where you will be assisted. But if you are not from there, you can eventually get the Firearm Application form directly from the FLB website.
You can also access FLB services through your eCitizen account or by downloading the official firearm application form from the National Police Service website, then printing and filling it before your appointment.
Step 2: Complete Documentation
Once you have filled out the application as needed in all sections, next you need to
Compile all required certificates, including medical reports, psychological evaluation, Certificate of Good Conduct, and proof of income. Double-check that all documents are current and properly certified.
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
The Last step is to submit your completed application package in person at the FLB office or designated police station. Then, pay the KSh 2,000 application fee through approved payment channels and obtain an official receipt.
When you submit through your local police station, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) forwards your form up the chain for recommendations before it reaches the Central Firearms Bureau and the Firearms Licensing Board for a final decision.
What’s next after submitting your Application
When you submit your application, the process suddenly doesn’t end there. Here is what happens next:
- Attend Personal Interview: You must participate in a personal interview with FLB officials to assess your firearm knowledge, safety awareness, and genuine need for ownership.
- Undergo Background Checks: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations conducts thorough vetting, including criminal history verification, community background checks, and security threat assessment.
- Await Approval Decision: The FLB reviews your complete application, which typically takes several weeks to months.
- Complete Mandatory Training: Upon conditional approval, you will undergo a firearm safety course with certified instructors. The process costs KSh 5,000-15,000, depending on your license type, and the training covers practical handling, safety protocols, and legal responsibilities.
- Ballistic Testing and Registration: The final step is to submit your firearm for test firing at DCI Headquarters for ballistic fingerprinting. You will receive your Ballistic Test Certificate and complete final registration in the national firearms database.
In total, you should expect the whole process to take several months because background checks, committee reviews, and training schedules all take time. In some cases, especially during busy periods or where extra vetting is needed, your application can easily stretch beyond six months before you receive a final decision.
What is the cost of a gun license in Kenya?
While it is mandatory to pay the KSh 2000 application fee to obtain a gun license, there are still hidden charges beyond this fee. These charges can be for mandatory training, equipment costs, and annual renewal expenses. The True cost of Firearm Ownership is as follows:
| Cost Component | Price Range (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 2,000 |
| Good Conduct Certificate | 1,050 |
| Psychological Evaluation | 2,000–5,000 |
| Firearm Safety Training | 5,000–15,000 |
| Firearm Purchase | 100,000–350,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | 1,000–5,000 |
FLB Contacts
If you need any help, you can reach out to the organization using the following contacts:
- Phone:0202000219 / 0202100525
- Email:info@firearms.or.kefirearms
Questions And Answers
How much does it cost to get a gun license in Kenya?
The basic application fee for a firearm license is around KSh 2,000, paid when you submit your forms at the police station or FLB office. In practice, the total cost of becoming a licensed gun owner usually falls between about KSh 120,000 and KSh 400,000 once you include the firearm itself (often KSh 100,000–350,000), training (KSh 5,000–15,000), medical and psychological reports, and documents like the Certificate of Good Conduct.
How much does it cost to go to the gun range in Kenya?
Most public shooting ranges around Nairobi charge roughly between KSh 1,200 and KSh 5,000 per session, depending on the range, firearm type, and whether ammunition and gear are included.
Can I legally own a gun in Kenya?
Yes, you can legally own a gun in Kenya if you are at least 21, meet strict eligibility criteria, and obtain a firearm certificate from the Firearms Licensing Board.
How long does the firearm application process take?
There is no fixed statutory time, but in reality the firearm application process in Kenya usually takes several months from initial application to final approval. This period allows time for document verification, DCI and intelligence background checks, FLB committee review, and scheduling of mandatory training and ballistic testing.
What is the Cap 114 of the Firearms Act?
It is the main Kenyan law that regulates the possession, manufacture, sale, and use of firearms and ammunition. It sets out who may be granted a firearm certificate, the conditions attached to licenses, offences and penalties for illegal possession, and the powers of authorities such as the Firearms Licensing Board and licensing officers.
