Kenya Shooting Federation Hosts Landmark Judges Training to Boost Officiating Standards

The Kenya Shooting Federation marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever three-day training program for rifle and pistol judges at its headquarters in Nairobi.

This initiative reflects the federation’s growing commitment to enhancing officiating standards and strengthening the sport’s technical capacity within the country.

By equipping judges with essential skills and up-to-date knowledge, the federation aims to ensure competitions are conducted fairly, professionally, and in line with international best practices.

The training was led by Hazem Hosny, president of the Africa Shooting Sports Federation (ASSF), whose presence brought a wealth of experience and credibility to the program. Addressing participants, Hosny emphasized the importance of capacity building in officiating, noting that strong technical officials are the backbone of any successful sport.

“Developing qualified judges is essential for the growth of shooting sports across Africa. When officials are well-trained and aligned with international standards, it not only improves the quality of competitions but also builds confidence among athletes and federations,” said Hosny.

The collaboration with the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) further underscored the importance of the training, aligning Kenya’s officiating framework with globally recognized rules and regulations.

The program, which brought together 22 participants, represents a strategic step toward elevating shooting sports in Kenya, fostering professionalism among officials, and preparing the country to compete more effectively at regional and international levels, as well as to host major events.

The training was also attended by KSF President James Ndolo, who commended the visiting ASSF president for honoring the invitation and guiding the country’s first cohort of judges. He noted that Africa currently has a limited pool of qualified judges, making the training particularly valuable.

Ndolo also expressed gratitude to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) for its continued support in sponsoring and facilitating the program.

“We are grateful to NOCK and its leadership for the support we receive. As the Shooting Federation, we are committed to raising our standards and excelling in competition,” he concluded.