During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Commandant HPSS, Colonel Kinyua, underscored the critical role of the course in enhancing the operational readiness of military personnel. He noted that the course blends theoretical knowledge with practical field exercises aimed at deepening understanding, sharpening essential skills, and preparing participants for real-world deployments in peacekeeping missions.

The course has drawn a total of 24 participants from 12 countries, reflecting the multinational nature of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The participating nations include Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam. This diverse representation fosters a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives, while also strengthening collaboration and interoperability among officers who may serve together in future missions.

Also present during the opening ceremony was the Australian Defence Attaché, Kenya Captain (Navy) Heidi Knellwolf.

During the opening ceremony, the Commandant PCSS, Colonel Ngigi extended a heartfelt welcome to the participants. She expressed her gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for sponsoring the course and reiterated the critical role that such training plays in modern peace operations. She emphasized that the purpose of the course is to impart knowledge that participants can, in turn, use to train peacekeepers under their command.

The Chief Guest, Regional Security Coordinator at the Embassy of Netherlands Mr Ishmael Moalem stressed that peacekeeping today requires more than just a military mindset—it demands a comprehensive and inclusive approach that considers political, social, and human dimensions. He emphasized the responsibility of trainers to ensure that peacekeeping missions are fair, just, and effective by equipping personnel with the necessary tools and understanding.

The 3 week course will incorporate theoretical instruction and practical exercises aimed at building real-world capability. A total of 19 participants, consisting of 13 men and 6 women from various UN troop-contributing countries, are taking part in this intensive training.

Explosive hazards and IEDs continue to pose the most significant threats to peacekeeping operations in modern conflict environments. This specialized training is designed to enhance the operational readiness of troops preparing for deployment under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The course cohort includes 3 officers and 21 service members.