After the success of the past weekend's International Defensive Pistol Association Disciplined Forces Cup at the National Gun Owners Association shooting range in Kirigiti, Kiambu, plans are underway to make it an annual event.
Tournament organiser and match director for the one-day competition, Sammy Onyango, described the event as a success and believes this was made possible by the cooperation of the top structure of the disciplined forces.
"We would like to thank Inspector General (Hillary Mutyambai) and the heads of other disciplined forces for the support they have given us by allowing officers to participate in this event. They have allowed their officers to come and enjoy themselves, relax and sharpen their skills before they head for the busy festive season where they will be tasked with keeping the country safe," Onyango said.
"That 50 per cent of the participants were debuting is a great success. This was a Christmas send-off for our officers, organised by a committee of civilians during which we thought it wise to reward them with cash prizes and goodies from various sponsors."
Head of statistics for the event, Maheer Omar was likewise elated with the turnout.
"We never expected to reach the 100 mark but by the will of God, all was possible”, he said.
Participants were drawn from the Anti-Terror Police Unit, General Service Unit, Kenya Defence Forces, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Administrative Police Service, Kenya Prisons and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Saturday's event was the first of its kind in the country under IDPA albeit it is one of the many, major shooting events held this year.
Almost a fortnight ago, hundreds of female shooters congregated in Samburu for a ladies-only shooting tournament, a few days after the Kenya Shooting Sports Federation held the KSSF Open Jamhuri Day shoot at Kwenia Range in Magadi.
The event attracted six affiliated clubs including some from the disciplined forces, such as NPS and KDF.
Internationally, the tournament that headlined the shooting calendar this year was the IDPA Africa Championships held at Kirigiti Shooting Range in Kiambu in September.
Pistol shooting resumes in February next year at the same venue.