GSU corporal Sanford Otindo in action during the Mini Bisley shooting competition at Stoni Athi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO
By KOOME KAZUNGU, KKazungu@ke.nationmedia.com
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.
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