Public Pushes for Harsher Penalties in Strategic Goods Control Bill

 Members of the public have called on Parliament to strengthen penalties proposed in the Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2026, arguing that the current sanctions are too lenient to deter individuals and organizations involved in the illegal trade of sensitive military and dual-use goods.

The concerns were raised during public participation forums held in Mombasa and Kisumu on Friday by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security as it seeks public input on the proposed legislation.

Participants warned that the fines outlined in the Bill would have little impact on wealthy traders and criminal networks engaged in the lucrative trafficking of strategic goods that could contribute to the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.

“The penalties proposed in the Bill are not severe enough. To cartels and serial offenders, the fines are insignificant compared to the billions they make from the trade,” said Salim Athuman, a resident of Majengo in Mvita Constituency. He urged lawmakers to consider tougher punishments, including life imprisonment for serious offenders.

Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of violating licensing requirements or engaging in illegal trade in strategic goods could face fines of up to Sh50 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years. Lesser offences would attract fines of up to Sh20 million, while possession of controlled goods without authorization could result in a fine of up to Sh5 million or a three-year jail term.

The Strategic Goods Control Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating strategic goods, including military equipment and dual-use technologies that can be used for civilian purposes but may also support the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Stakeholders also raised concerns about the institutional framework proposed under the Bill. Stephen Keraka Omboi, a resident of Jomvu Constituency, urged lawmakers to avoid creating new regulatory agencies, arguing that existing institutions such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) could effectively undertake oversight responsibilities.

Speaking during the Mombasa forum, Saku MP and committee Vice-Chairperson Ali Raso defended the proposed legislation, saying it would enhance national security, strengthen oversight of strategic goods, and improve government revenue collection.

“The objective is to regulate strategic goods entering and leaving the country without disrupting legitimate trade,” Raso said.

He assured stakeholders that all views submitted during the public participation exercise would be considered before the committee finalizes its report to Parliament. He further noted that safeguards would be incorporated to prevent the law from creating monopolies or unfairly disadvantaging traders.

“We want a law that protects national security while supporting trade and investment,” he added.

Other members of the committee present in Mombasa included Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan and Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule.

In Kisumu, Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, who led a separate committee team, said the Bill would improve oversight of goods with both civilian and military applications, thereby safeguarding Kenya’s security interests.

Kaunya noted that participants had raised concerns regarding corruption, accountability, representation within the proposed National Control Committee, and the adequacy of the penalties outlined in the Bill.

“We have received valuable submissions touching on implementation, oversight, accountability and enforcement. Concerns have also been raised that the proposed penalties are too light, and we have taken those views on board,” he said.

The committee will continue collecting views from stakeholders across the country before preparing its report and recommending possible amendments ahead of debate in the National Assembly.

The public participation exercise is expected to play a key role in shaping the final legislation as lawmakers seek to strike a balance between protecting national security and facilitating legitimate trade and investment.