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.

The program brings together staff from various departments to enhance their skills in identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, and fostering long-term resource mobilization strategies.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Director, Major General C Lenjo Mwazighe, who emphasized the critical role of resource mobilization in sustaining the Centre’s peace and security initiatives. He affirmed that the training is not only timely but also closely aligned with IPSTC’s Strategic Plan 2024–2027, which prioritizes institutional sustainability and strategic growth through enhanced partnerships.

Also present was Commandant HPSS Brigadier Mundui, Colonel Plans and Programmes Colonel Koech, Head of Research Department Colonel C Lagat, and Head of IPSTC Postgraduate school Colonel M Kimwele.