The National Assembly is considering a proposal to establish a national digital firearms detection and tracking system within the National Police Service (NPS).
According to Emmanuel Ojow, the petitioner, the digital firearms detection would strengthen accountability, improve weapon security, and prevent the misuse of police-issued firearms.
The proposal was presented before the Public Petitions Committee during a session chaired by Vice-Chairperson Janet Sitienei (Turbo MP) on June 30.
Ojow urged the MPs to support legislative reforms that would modernize the management and monitoring of police firearms.
According to Ojow, recent incidents involving attacks on police stations and the theft of government-issued firearms have exposed weaknesses in the current firearms management system.
“The theft or unauthorized removal of police firearms heightens operational risk for police officers, endangers civilians, and undermines public confidence in national security institutions,” Emmanuel Ojow explained to the committee.
Petitioner Pushes for Digital Firearm Trackers
Appearing before the committee, Ojow argued that the current firearm issuance and armory management systems lack real-time electronic monitoring.
Further, the petitioner noted that the absence of modern tracking technologies deters authorities from detecting unauthorized firearm access or responding quickly when weapons go missing.
Ojow consequently called on Parliament to amend the National Police Service Act and related laws to establish a secure digital tracking framework across the police service.
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Digital Gun Tracking System
Under the proposal, police armories would be equipped with biometric access systems that identify officers via fingerprint authentication before firearms are issued.
In addition, the tracking system would include encrypted, real-time tracking and alert mechanisms designed to immediately notify authorities of unauthorized access, removal, or tampering with firearms.
Further, Ojow proposed safeguards to protect sensitive operational information and recommended dedicated budgetary allocations to support the implementation and maintenance of the technology.
He urged the lawmakers to introduce statutory protections to ensure officers are not unfairly blamed for technological failures or system malfunctions beyond their control.
MPs Seek Clarification on Feasibility
During the session, committee members sought clarification on the practicality of implementing the proposed technology within the National Police Service.
Baringo Central Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie questioned whether biometric tracking systems have been successfully deployed in other countries.
Further, he questioned how the technology could help address broader firearm-related security challenges, including the flow of illegal weapons across Kenya’s borders.
Committee members also raised concerns about the operational realities of police work, noting that firearms are often reassigned to different officers based on shifts, deployments, and operational requirements.
In addition, the lawmakers sought an explanation on how biometric records would be updated efficiently and how authorities would ensure that firearm assignment records remain accurate at all times.
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Ojow Response to MPs Concerns
Responding to the concerns, Ojow explained that the proposed system would use biometric fingerprint authentication whenever an officer accesses a firearm.
According to Ojow, fingerprint data would be transmitted to a central command center, creating a digital record identifying the individual handling the weapon.
He argued that such a system would strengthen accountability while enabling security agencies to respond quickly in cases of unauthorized access.
Ojow further noted that countries including the U.S.A, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore have modernized their firearm accountability systems.
Committee Calls for Stakeholder Engagement
Following the concerns raised by the MPs, the Public Petitions Committee cited the need for consultations before taking legislative actions.
Members advised the petitioner to engage relevant security agencies and the ministry responsible for internal security to obtain technical assessments of the proposed system.
The committee noted that stakeholder input will determine whether the technology can be integrated into the already existing police operations.
Parliament is expected to continue reviewing the proposal as part of wider discussions on improving firearm accountability.
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