This archive report was first published on 3 July 2021.
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Africa Championships are set to take place in Kenya from September 2-5, 2021, at the Kirigiti Shooting Range.
According to Martin Chengo, the chairperson of the National Gun Owners Association of Kenya (NGAO-K), the event has been postponed from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chengo expressed confidence in hosting the event, stating, "This is the first time Africa champs is being held outside of South Africa. It’s taken a lot of lobbying to bring the event home after postponement from 2020 to 2021, because of Covid-19."
NGAO-K has constructed an additional 11 bays to accommodate the 14 stages required by IDPA to host the regional contest.
Registration for participation in the IDPA - Africa Championships is still ongoing on www.practiscore.com.
Chengo also appealed for support from the Ministry of Sports and tourism to perfect the range props and ensure no range failure on the material day.
Dr. Vivian Whatley, the International Point of Contact (IPOC) Africa, gave Kenya a clean bill of health to host the event, stating, "I enjoyed the Kenyan hospitality. I looked at the Kirigiti range and all the people involved including government officials, and made a decision that Kenya can host the IDPA Africa championship."
Kenya has increased the number of certified Safety Officers (SOs) from 6 to 60, 34 Chief safety officers, in preparation for the Championship.
Andreas Pfenninger, a safety instructor from Switzerland, emphasized the importance of safety in handling guns for international shooters.
Sammy Onyango, the event’s Match Director, expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to host the event, stating, "We are ready to move the wheels. With the country and God’s support, we will take the lead."
