The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests Catherine De Preux De Baets from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Ann Christine from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

 

 

Brig J C Sitieni, urged participants to embrace collaboration and advocate for human rights in their respective communities. She stated that the course is a significant step towards fostering trust, cohesion, and development initiatives across our borders.

 

Ann Christine, Senior Advisor for UNDP, elaborated on the theme of "leave no one behind," stressing the importance of addressing the lack of trust as a key issue.

 

 

The course coordinator, Dr. Michael Osew, provided an overview of the course, outlining its objectives and the comprehensive agenda designed to equip participants with practical skills and strategic insights.

The day's events were commemorated with a tree planting ceremony, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and the commitment to nurturing peace and security.

This course aims to familiarize Staff Officers at Operational Level Headquarters with an overview of the IED weapon system, the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED) assets that are available, some of the key constraints that the IED threat brings and finally conduct final exercise with the aim of planning military operations in IED threat environment.

 

 

The course has 12 participants with a remarkable lineup of experts and instructors who will guide them through this intensive program. The British Peace Support Training Africa BPST (A) Rep, Capt. Dave Landells said the course represents a relationship between United Kingdom and Kenya stressing that the course will allow the participants to understand the high level of IED.

 

 

 

Lt Col Opiyo concluded by giving his remarks. “I am fully convinced that by the end of the training the course objective will have been achieved since the team of dedicated pools of facilitators will provide the required knowledge that will enable you to professionally undertake the advisory roles to the operational commanders during operation planning.”

 

The Commandant stressed that the completion of the course will go a long way to strengthening the partnership further. She also recapitulated how IPSTC and Kenya at large is proud to be part of this partnership and will assist in training geared towards Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) priorities on safety and security of peacekeeping missions through scenario-based training.

 

 

The Chief Guest gave her remarks on the course completion. “On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to thank the Government of Switzerland for their generous contributions of financial and in-kind support to TPP and to the Governments of Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania for their provision of the team of trainers.