Strategic Goods Control Bill Introduced to Curb Illicit Arms in Kenya
May 10, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
In a significant move to bolster national security, the Kenyan government has introduced the Strategic Goods Control Bill, a new piece of legislation aimed at regulating the trade, possession, and export of weapons and dual-use goods that could pose potential security threats. The bill seeks to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent the proliferation of illicit arms and other goods that can be used for military purposes.
The introduction of the bill comes in response to growing concerns over the illegal trade in small arms, light weapons, and other materials that can be used to produce weapons of mass destruction. These goods, which can include chemicals, technologies, and equipment with both civilian and military applications (known as dual-use goods), have increasingly become a source of security risks in the region.
“We are taking decisive steps to protect our borders and ensure that Kenya does not become a conduit for illicit arms or dangerous technologies,” said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki during the announcement of the bill. “This law will strengthen our compliance with international arms control treaties, and it will improve our ability to detect and prevent the illegal flow of arms and related goods.”
Under the proposed legislation, the government will establish a centralized registry to track the import, export, and internal movements of strategic goods, including arms, ammunition, explosives, and technologies that could be diverted for military use. The bill mandates that all such goods be subject to strict licensing requirements, with detailed documentation and oversight from security agencies.
Key provisions of the Strategic Goods Control Bill include:
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Licensing and Control: Any person or entity involved in the trade of strategic goods will be required to obtain a license from the government. The bill will give authorities the power to monitor transactions and seize goods that are being traded illegally.
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Export and Import Restrictions: The bill imposes stringent rules on the export and import of goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, with a focus on preventing the diversion of these goods to conflict zones or rogue actors.
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Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill introduces severe penalties for violators, including heavy fines and long prison sentences, as well as increased powers for law enforcement agencies to conduct raids and seize prohibited goods.
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International Cooperation: The law also strengthens Kenya’s commitment to international conventions on arms control, including the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), ensuring that the country adheres to global standards in controlling the flow of weapons.
Experts believe the bill is a vital step in curbing the regional threats posed by illicit arms trade, especially in East Africa, where arms proliferation has fueled conflicts and instability. In recent years, Kenya has seen an increase in security challenges related to the smuggling of small arms, many of which have been used in organized crime, terrorist activities, and regional conflicts.
“This is a welcome move, especially given the growing threat of violent extremism and criminal gangs in the region,” said Mary Wambua, a security analyst with the East African Centre for Security Studies. “Regulating strategic goods will help reduce the chances of these weapons reaching the wrong hands.”
The bill is also seen as a necessary tool to address Kenya’s role in regional arms trafficking networks. Kenya’s strategic location as a transport hub for goods coming in and out of the region has made it a key point for both legitimate and illicit trade.
The introduction of the Strategic Goods Control Bill is expected to spark discussions in the National Assembly, where lawmakers will debate the finer details of the legislation before its passage. If enacted, it will give Kenya one of the most robust frameworks for controlling the flow of strategic goods in East Africa.
The government has committed to a thorough public consultation process, with an emphasis on involving key stakeholders such as the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners in the finalization of the law.