Do not operate armoured cars without police, KRA approval, warns Inspector General Boinnet

Kenyans driving armoured vehicles have been ordered to report to the police and taxman for further directions.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet also ordered those planning to import such vehicles to adhere to the law.

He said the Security Laws Amendment Act 2014 prohibits the assembly, purchase, acquisition or possession of armoured vehicles unless one has a certificate issued under the law.

"Any person who manufactures, assembles, purchases, acquires or has in his possession an armoured vehicle without approval shall, subject to this Act, be guilty of an offence," said Mr Boinnet in an advert placed in the local dailies yesterday.

He said the Firearms Act had been repealed, with new rules for possession of such vehicles. Under the new Act, the Firearms Licensing Board shall be established and its members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior.

The board shall consist of representatives from the National Police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Attorney General, select registered gun owners, Kenya Wildlife Service, the National Intelligence Service and National Focal Point.

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The board shall certify suitability of applicants and periodically assess proficiency of firearm holders, issue, cancel, terminate or vary any licence or permit issued under the Act, register civilian firearm holders, dealers and manufactures of firearms. It will also register, supervise and control all registered shooting ranges.

The board shall also maintain and monitor a centralised record management system and perform such other functions as the Cabinet secretary may prescribe from time to time.

Under the KRA rules, armoured fighting vehicles are prohibited. It is not clear who Boinnet is targeting so far.

But sources said at least two businessmen had imported armoured vehicles, which they are using for their protection.

Many of those who want such vehicles fear they could be targets for assassins, carjackers or terrorists. Their fears could have some ground given terror attacks have been on the rise in the recent past.

Some of the vehicles in the presidential motorcade, those operated by embassies and security companies are armoured.

In 2014, KRA and Java Investment Ltd were engaged in a tussle over two armoured vehicles the former wanted to impound. Java Investment Ltd insisted it had paid tax for the vehicles. The firm filed a suit against KRA seeking to stop the seizure.