IPSC praises Kenya's new shooting site

Tyson Fury celebrates after winning his fight against Dillian Whyte in April. [Reuters]

International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) yesterday lauded Shaba Sports Shooting Range in Samburu as Kenya Open Level Three Championships got underway.

IPSC President Vitaly Kryuchin said the Shaba Sports Shooting Range, which is Kenya’s new range, is one of the best shooting facilities in Africa. With some facelift, Kryuchin said, the facility could host international shooting competitions. 

Shaba Sports Shooting Range manager Joseph Kamari said IPSC requires that the new range gets three more bays to host a Level Five competition, an equivalent of the World Cup.

“The IPSC President is happy with what Kenya has to offer in terms of infrastructure. He says all we need to do is to have three more bays on the course to make it a 25-bay range,” Kamari said.

Shaba Sports Shooting Range is a 22 pack range constructed in two blocks namely Block A of 14 bays and Block B of eight bays. 

IPSC level Three Competition only requires 18 bays, which are available in the facility. Shaba Range can host an International Defense Pistol Association (DPA) and even the Olympics level.

Meanwhile, Kenyan shooters bank on their experience in the Kenya Open Handgun Level Three Championship which kicked off at Shaba Sports Shooting Range in Samburu yesterday.

Kenya’s leading shooter Ibrahim Ndung’u said local shooters bank on international experience and favourable weather conditions.

“We are not worried about the international shooters since we have taken part in many global events and we hope to win. 

“We will balance speed and accuracy. Due to so many movements expected on the range, we have to move quickly so that we can have time to hit targets.”