Mombasa, Kenya| Shooting is not just an elite sport but an avenue for youth empowerment, according to Sammy Onyango, Chairman of the National Gun Owners Association of Kenya (NGAO-K).
Speaking during the ongoing African Shooting Championship in Mombasa, Onyango emphasized the need to break societal stereotypes surrounding the sport and open it up to a broader demographic, particularly young people.
“Shooting has long been viewed as a sport reserved for the elite, but that is a misconception. Our goal is to demystify this belief and make the public aware that young people interested in the sport have opportunities to participate and progress,” Onyango stated.
He pointed to institutions like the Bamburi Rifle Club, which actively promotes the sport among youths.
He explained that Kenyan law permits individuals to visit licensed shooting ranges, provided they are accompanied by a licensed firearm holder and engage in shooting strictly for sporting purposes within a controlled environment.
Structured Pathways in Competitive Shooting
Onyango highlighted the structured nature of competitive shooting under the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA).
He outlined the different levels of participation, which allow shooters to progress based on experience:
- Level 1: Open to beginners under controlled conditions.
- Level 2: Club-level competition for those gaining experience.
- Level 3 & 4: Advanced national and continental championships.
- Level 5: The highest level—international world championships.
“For beginners, participation is restricted to Levels 1 and 2, where they are supervised by certified safety officers to ensure a controlled and safe environment,” Onyango explained.
Expanding Kenya’s Shooting Sports Scene
This marks the first major shooting competition in Kenya this year, and organizers are keen to engage the public before later traveling internationally for further competitions.
Onyango noted that some of the safety officers participating in the championship are police officers, who use the sport as a constructive outlet for stress management within their profession.
A Legacy of Safety and Sportsmanship
Adding to the discussion, Mohammed Ramadhan, Vice Chairman of the Bamburi Rifle Club, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the championship.
He emphasized the club’s rich history spanning over 55 years in promoting safe and responsible gun ownership.
“Our club has maintained an impeccable safety record, thanks to strict safety protocols and a dedicated team ensuring compliance,” Ramadhan stated.
He further highlighted the significance of the event in boosting local tourism, with over 200 international shooters traveling to Kenya for the competition.
“We have several master shooters and sharp shooters in this tournament, which will greatly enhance our competitive edge and improve our skills,” he added.
With increasing participation and growing interest, the shooting sport in Kenya is poised for expansion, offering new opportunities for young enthusiasts while reinforcing safety, responsibility, and sportsmanship in firearm handling.
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