Gun owners given March 19 deadline to obtain biometric cards

All civilian firearm holders have until March 19 to get biometric cards as the State seeks to use fingerprints and facial patterns to curb gun crimes.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said Monday the biometric card with a microchip would have a gun holder’s details.

“We want everyone registered by March 18. By 19th, everyone holding a gun must have this card,” he said during a security meeting with police commanders at Flamingo Hotel in Mombasa.

The minister said the move is aimed at curbing crimes that involve the use of weapons.

Kenyan civilians had acquired 70,000 guns for personal use by June 2018, Geneva-based Small Arms Survey says.

This came amid revelations of illegal issuance of gun certificates, which is subject to fresh vetting, has been opposed in court.

“We are not going back on this programme. We understand a group has moved to court to fight this. We will deal with that when we get to March 19,” said Dr Matiang’i. The National Gun Owners Association (NGOA) is uncomfortable with the composition of the new Firearms Licensing Board, saying it lacks representation of lawfully registered firearm owners.

“The others who are not members of NGOA have no problem. I do not know what their problem is with this programme,” he said. Dr Matiang’i said police have a difficult time tracing guns used in crimes and therefore, the government must show commitment in dealing with the matter.

“Police commanders know the pinch that we have felt. We have been collecting cartridges but gun tracing has been difficult. We are committed to fighting crime,” he said.

He added that all police reservists would be registered afresh to update the existing record.