Kenya’s top marksmen can help shoot country into global competitions

The time is ripe for one of the fastest growing sports in the country in the action packed shooting competitions.

During colonial times, Lenana and Nairobi schools had shooting ranges that would tap into marksmen at a tender age. Over the past few years China has become a global force in these competitions.

Team China has swept all the medals in the Olympics and Paralympics competitions. The team comprises of shooters aged 14-24 years.

With an ultra-modern shooting facility, equipped with all shooting equipment, Kenya too could reap big from the sport that envisages to create a sense of legal and responsible firearm use.

The marksman principle was evident when Harun Mwau put Kenya in the global platform in the 70s following splendid victories.

During the 2015 International Police Association pistol shooting competition held in Malta, Kenya won the individual and team categories courtesy of United Nation’s Anthony Wahome and Sergeant Samuel Chacha of the General Service Unit. Mr Wahome was elated with the victory for the country during their maiden outing.

“I want to challenge myself more and get more Kenyans to participate in these events,” said Mr Wahome who partnered with Mr Chacha to bring Kenya the top honours in the competition.

The team had been participating in the local monthly pistol shooting competitions, honing their skills for the Malta’s challenge.

If their performance is anything to go by, the country could embrace the international shooting competition as the next biggest sport after athletics. Kenya has plenty of talent to venture into the Olympics competition.

However, there are no public shooting ranges to tap the standard of talent required to participate in the Olympic and Commonwealth competitions.

For a beginner, the first step would be to apply for a firearm licence from the chief licensing officer. Once cleared, it would be wise to join the National Gun Owners Association and participate in their training and monthly shooting competitions.

Currently, Kenyan police use the 9mm calibre pistol which is not allowed at the Olympics, though it has been included in the International Defence Shooting Association for Commonwealth Competition. For the Commonwealth and Olympics, one would need to invest in the .22, .38, 7.62 long gun, 9 mm, 7.72, and the air rifle

For a beginner, an investment in the .22 caliber autoloader provides one with the advantage of firing five shots in 20 seconds during a shooting competition.

The autoloader boasts of top notch accuracy with rapid fire capable of five shots in 10 seconds. For the professionals, one can have three guns, the .22 caliber, the centre fire, and .45 caliber pistols.

The Sports ministry should, however, invest more in terms of supporting marksmen since the endeavour is quite expensive requiring costly equipment.

The country has been recognised as the home of athletic champions in long distance races for a longtime. Shooting competitions could be Kenya’s next beacon of pride.