Kenya shooting team sharpens claws ahead of September championship

Expert Shooter Mahir Omar in action with Safety Officer Alice Njuguna looking on at the IDPA Tier 1 match at Kirigiti Shooting Range, Kiambu County. [Wilberforce Okwiri, The Standard]

The National Gun Owners Association of Kenya on Saturday, June 26 held an International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Tier 1 match at the Kirigiti Shooting Range, Kiambu County.

The tournament is set to act as a preparing ground for all divisions of Kenyan shooters, who will compete in the 2021 IDPA Africa Championship set for Thursday, September 2-5 at the range.

The tournament had 10 stages, located in 10 bays. The shooting range holds 11 bays.

A minimum of 50 shooters registered to take part in the tournament, which comprised of different divisions of shooters, each with different categories.

Expert Shooter Kibara Stephen in action as a Safety Officer looks on at the IDPA Tier 1 match at Kirigiti Shooting Range, Kiambu County. [Wilberforce Okwiri, The Standard]

The divisions include Stok Service Pistol (SSP), Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP), Concealed Carry Pistol (CCP), Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC), Carry Optics, Ladies, Military, Law Enforcement, Most Improved and Most Accurate.

Shooter categories including Masters, Experts, Sharpshooters and Novice also had a chance to display their skills in the Tier 1 match.

“We are trying to put all the rules in place and make sure everything is adhered to ahead of the championship in September. We have tried our best to try to replicate what will happen in September, however, the courses are not the same. It’s just to get a feel and lift the team’s adrenaline before the tournament” said shooter Mahir Omar.

Earlier in the month, the national shooting team travelled to Mombasa for training in preparation for the championship. Under IDPA shooting trainer Sammy Onyango at Bamburi Rifle Club under strict Covid-19 guidelines.

This is after Kenya was given a clean bill of health to proceed in preparing to host the showpiece event.

Speaking to The Standard Sports, after touring the shooting range, IDPA’s International Point of Contact in Africa Dr Vivian Whatley said he was impressed with Kenya’s state of preparedness to host the championship.

“The reason I’m here is to promote IDPA in Kenya and by extension the upcoming African championship set to be held in Kenya. All stages meet the IDPA requirements; the sidewalls and backstops are very good and safe for an International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooter to shoot downrange," said Dr Whatley.

Expert Shooter (SSP) Adhiambo Brenda in action at the Kirigiti Shooting Range in Kiambu County. [Wilberforce Okwiri, The Standard]

 

Earlier in the month, the national shooting team travelled to Mombasa for another competition in preparation for the championship held at the Bamburi Rifle Club under strict Covid-19 guidelines.

This is after Kenya was given a clean bill of health to proceed in preparing to host the showpiece event.

Speaking to The Standard Sports, after touring the shooting range, IDPA’s International Point of Contact in Africa Dr Vivian Whatley said he was impressed with Kenya’s state of preparedness to host the championship.

“The reason I’m here is to promote IDPA in Kenya and by extension the upcoming African championship set to be held in Kenya. All stages meet the IDPA requirements; the sidewalls and backstops are very good and safe for an International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooter to shoot downrange," said Dr Whatley.

NGAO-Kenya Vice-Chair Gikonyo Mwangi expressed confidence in the Tier 1 match, saying he expects Kenyans to put on a tough show come September.

“We are preparing the shooters in terms of how to register and score. We are also teaching the Principal safety officers how to run a match,” said Gikonyo.

Gikonyo emphasised the need for Kenyan shooters to prepare well, considering the championship would be Tier 4 instead of today’s Tier 1.

“We are having a Tier 4 tournament in September. The minimum requirements you have to be a Marksman. In today’s Tier 1 match, we have novices, experts and masters,” he added.

“We are hoping everyone will have time out during the championship. Most of the people you see in this Tier 1 tournament will be participating in the September event.”

“We are trying to put all the rules in place and make sure everything is adhered to ahead of the championship in September. We have tried our best to try to replicate what will happen in September, however, the courses are not the same. It’s just to get a feel and lift the team’s adrenaline before the tournament” said shooter and stats man Mahir Omar.

The IDPA is the governing body of sports shooting that simulates self ¬defense scenarios and real-life encounters. It currently has a worldwide membership of over 25,000 in 70 countries including Kenya. The Africa Championships is expected to attract over 200 foreign shooters as well as 200 local shooters. This is the first time such a championship is being held outside South Africa since the inception of the IDPA in 1996.