This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On Saturday, more than 130 licensed firearm owners will gather at Kirigiti Range in Kiambu for the Chairman's Cup shooting contest.
The competition, which has attracted both civilians and disciplined forces, promises to be an exciting event.
According to Anthony Wahome, the National Gun Owners Association (Ngao-k) chairman, the contest will feature eight courses and three drills spread across the range and 360-degree ranges.
Shooters will have the opportunity to showcase their skills using various firearms, including the Stock Service Pistol (SSP), Extended Service Pistol (ESP), Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP), Compact Carry Pistol (9CCP) Revolver, and BUG.
As part of the IDPA competitions, shooters will start with some Course of Fire (COF) from a sitting position, then move to a standing position before getting to a kneeling position and finally the prone position.
The targets will vary in range from three meters to 50 meters.
Wahome emphasized the importance of practicing regularly to perfect one's skills, saying, 'the more you practice, the better you get and the more confident you become in a situation where you use a firearm as provided by law.'
Sammy Onyango, the Ngao-k vice chairman, noted that the Chairman's Cup is one of the biggest tournaments held in Kenya and serves as an opportunity for licensed firearm owners to sharpen their skills.
He added that such competitions are helpful as the Government issues licenses but does not train, and the National Gun Owners Association established the facility to enable licensed firearm owners to gain a better understanding.
Wahome stressed that proficiency is key, saying, 'if you're not confident in using your firearm, then you endanger yourself and even others around you.'
The Chairman's Cup was inaugurated in 2017, and the association mobilized funds to build the range.
Registration for the competition ends today, and civilian licensed firearm owners are invited to participate.
