Foreign shooters start arriving for Kenya Open event

KSSF chairman Memba Muriuki works on his speed and accuracy at KRRC yesterday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Chinese Pang Jun was the first foreigner shooter to arrive in the country for this year’s Kenya Open Level-3 Shotgun slated for Shaba Range in Samburu this weekend.

Jun arrived in Nairobi yesterday and proceeded to Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC), Langata for practice sessions ahead of the competition on Saturday and Sunday.

“I have never been to Kenya. But all that I know is that it’s a country of very energetic people. I got the Kenyan contact through the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and I’m excited for my first competition in Kenya,” said Jun.

“I really don’t know what to expect, but then again, it’s competition and in such a scenario, you have to fight your heart out and take situations as they come.”

Some of the countries that have confirmed participation in the event include China, Egypt, Ghana, Spain, Italy, Zambia, Senegal and hosts Kenya.

The championship has attracted over 100 entries and will be based on the rules and regulations of the IPSC and officiated by top IPSC top officials.

Pre-Shoot event kickstarts the tournament on Thursday through to Friday where the Range Officers and Match Officials will feel the conditions of the range.

Kenya Shooting Sports Federation (KSSF) chairman Memba Muriuki said that the championship will feature five categories namely Production, Standard, Pistol Caliber Cabin (PCC), Revolution and Open.

“During the event, the men and the ladies will be shooting together with an almost 50-50 representation of both. The Pre-shoot will be used by organisers to ensure that everything on the range is working properly. Then, the competition proper will take place on Saturday and Sunday,” said Muriuki.

According to Muriuki, the competition will be used by the participating countries to prepare for the World Championships scheduled for Thailand later in the year. 

“Our short-term goal is to have a successful event on level 3, after that we will try to develop the sport and aspire to become a leading country in the shooting globally,” said Muriuki.