NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is stepping up its profile in international practical shooting as Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer Charles Mugendi Njue prepares to lead Team Kenya in a major championship build-up ahead of the IPSC Pan American competition in Aruba.
Mugendi, popularly known as “Samuge,” is fresh from a strong performance at the International Practical Shooting Confederation Level III Championship held in Limpopo, South Africa. He finished 15th overall, competing against some of the world’s top-ranked shooters.
The result has boosted confidence within Kenya’s shooting fraternity as athletes prepare for a packed international calendar.
Naivasha to Host Key Championship
Kenya will next host the IPSC Level III Championship from July 15 to 19, 2026, at the Hado Shooting Range in Naivasha.
The event is expected to attract elite competitors from across the world, making it one of the most competitive shooting tournaments ever staged in the country.
Mugendi is set to lead Team Kenya in the Standard Category, a division that tests precision, speed, and tactical firearm handling under pressure.
The competition is also expected to serve as a critical preparation platform for the team ahead of the IPSC Pan American Championship scheduled for August 2026 in Aruba.
The Pan American event is regarded as one of the highest levels in practical shooting sports globally.
Stronger Showing Boosts National Confidence
The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) is a global body governing dynamic shooting sports that combine accuracy, speed, and decision-making under simulated combat scenarios.
Kenya’s participation has grown steadily in recent years, with officers from security agencies and civilian athletes increasingly taking part in international competitions.
Mugendi’s recent top-15 finish in South Africa is being viewed as a breakthrough performance. It signals improved training standards and growing competitiveness among Kenyan shooters.
Officials say such results are important for benchmarking Kenya against established shooting nations.
Building a Competitive Team Kenya
Beyond individual performance, the upcoming Naivasha championship is expected to play a major role in shaping Team Kenya’s final squad for Aruba.
The focus will be on consistency, discipline, and adaptability across different shooting stages.
Organisers say the competition will also help strengthen teamwork and exposure to international rules and scoring systems.
Kenya’s participation reflects a broader push to professionalise niche sports within the country’s security and sports sectors.
