How rogue officials rake in millions selling illegal firearm licences

Officials look at confiscated guns prior to the destruction of approximately 5,200 Firearms and other weapons at the Ngong County at a ceremony presided over by deputy president William Ruto and cabinet secretary Joseph Nkaissery. PHOTO JOHN MUCHUCHA

Corrupt officials have been taking bribes of up to Sh1 million to dish out licences to civilians who want to own a firearm, yet the application fee is only Sh2, 000.

So lucrative is the illegal trade that cartels have been fighting efforts to reform the Central Firearms Bureau to enforce stringent licensing procedures.