Mombasa, Kenya| The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) has officially launched the African Shooting Championship in Mombasa, bringing together top-tier marksmen from across the continent and beyond.
This highly anticipated event is set to be a landmark competition, featuring 14 challenging stages, a minimum round count of 245, and over 200 participants from various countries worldwide.
Speaking to the media, Sammy Onyango, Chairman of the National Gun Owners Association, highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as a historic moment for Kenya’s shooting sports community.
“IDPA is a globally recognized shooting discipline, and this year’s championship is particularly special. It is an African championship, but it includes international competitors, making it a prestigious and highly competitive event,” Onyango stated.
For the first time, the tournament will be open to the public, providing a unique opportunity for spectators and the media to experience world-class shooting sportsmanship up close.
The competition schedule includes a Safety Officers’ Shoot on February 19, followed by the main championship events from February 22, featuring the Handgun and Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) categories.
Eight Divisions Competing
The African Championship features eight competitive divisions, each showcasing different firearm types and skill sets:
- Revolver Division
- Back-Up Gun (BUG) Division
- Compact Carry Pistol (CCP)
- Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP)
- Stock Service Pistol (SSP)
- Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)
- Carry Optics Division
- Other specialty divisions
Unlike traditional shooting contests that declare an overall winner, this championship follows IDPA rules, where competitors within each division face off among themselves, ensuring a level playing field based on firearm capacity and functionality.
Onyango explained, “Some divisions use firearms with as few as seven rounds, while others can carry up to 30, making it impractical to declare a single overall champion.”
Kenya Hosts Top Global Shooters
Previously held in South Africa, the African Shooting Championship is now making its debut in Kenya, a milestone for the nation’s shooting sports community.
Onyango expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that over 30 elite shooters from Russia and the USA are expected to participate, adding a strong international flair to the event.
Additionally, some of Africa’s top female competitors will be vying for top honors alongside Kenya’s own pistol champions, promising thrilling matchups on Saturday.
Ensuring Safety & Precision
Safety remains a top priority for the championship. The event began with a pre-match for safety officers, emphasizing proper handling and live ammunition protocols.
Onyango underscored the importance of rigorous safety measures, given the high-stakes nature of the tournament.
A total of 43 internationally trained safety officers will compete on Wednesday and Thursday, ensuring they are fully prepared to oversee the main event from Friday to Saturday.
“With live ammunition in play, precision and adherence to strict safety protocols are paramount. There is absolutely no room for errors,” Onyango emphasized.
With the competition now underway, Kenya stands on the global stage as a premier host for competitive shooting sports.
Enthusiasts, media personnel, and sports fans alike will have the rare opportunity to witness top-tier shooting action, as marksmen from different continents showcase their expertise in this thrilling event.
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