The International Practical Shooting Confederation is the world’s largest shooting sport association, and also the largest and oldest within practical shooting. It was founded in 1976 with a membership of 108 regions. Competitions are held with pistol, rifle, revolver and shotgun and the competitors are divided into different divisions based on firearm and equipment features. 

Over two weeks ago, Kenya had the privilege of hosting the world-class IPSC level 3 event for the first time. It was held in Samburu County at the Shaba Shooting Range. The Shaba Range has 22 bays and is ranked as the best in East and Central Africa, being categorised at level 4. 

Kenyan shooters dominated in the championship, with 4 police officers finishing on top positions. Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Agnes Muchiri scooped the top lady shooter position, handgun production category. The championship was graced by Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Amina Mohamed.

Shaba is a unique range in that it is located next to the Shaba National Reserve, hence it was named Shaba. It is sandwiched between spectacular and panoramic landscapes characterized by different natural features. These features comprise a series of ranges and hills like Shaba, Donyo Sabachi, Olkanjau, Digir Namunyak, Digir Lebendera among others. Besides the ranges, river Ewaso Nyiro runs 34 km along the reserve that forms the main boundary between Isiolo and Samburu counties before draining into Lorian swamp in Wajir. Shaba Shooting Range offers a perfect view of Mt. Kenya.

It has plentiful wildlife e.g. lions, elephants, elands, gazelles, beisa oryx among others. Shaba is home to the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich and the rare William’s lark. It is a popular destination for tourists.

Foxton Media was among 16 media teams, (local and international) that covered this event. The event enjoyed massive and extensive marketing through broadcast, print and digital platforms, countdown to, during and after the event through news stories as well as live and pre-recorded interviews. The event was also transmitted live on social media platforms. 

The IPSC President Vitaly Kruychin hailed Kenya for the state-of-the-art infrastructure they have to host such international events, noting that Shaba Shooting Range, which is Kenya’s new range, is one of the best shooting facilities in Africa. Colonel Joseph Kamari expressed with confidence that the range can host about 3,000 people, making it one of the highest range capacities in Africa. He also added that the height levels of the bays are way above the normal recommended heights, which increases safety against ricochet. The ASSF President Gen. Hazen Hosny said that the main reason he attended this event was to see the ranges that have been highly acclaimed. Our very own Sports CS Ambassador Amina Mohamed mentioned that this was a dream come true for her to be in this event and that she is looking forward to the time Kenya will host the IPSC Level 4.

The success of this event is an indication that Kenya can host such events going forward and also can bid to host the IPSC Level 4, which is the second highest and prestigious competition after Level 5 according to the IPSC level of competitions.