CS DEFENCE HOSTS MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, GERMANY AT HPSS
On 21 January 2026, we had the honour of hosting the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, who received the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E Johann Wadephul, alongside the German Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Sebastian Groth, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS).
The visit highlighted the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany, with discussions underscoring Germany’s continued support to Kenya’s peace and security agenda, particularly in peace support training and multilateral cooperation. Hon. Tuya noted that the engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening capacity building for regional and international peace support operations.
Bilateral talks focused on enhancing defence cooperation, including progress towards a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which is expected to deepen collaboration in areas such as training, research and development, and counterterrorism. Hon. Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening defence ties and supporting regional and international peace and security efforts.
The engagement reaffirmed the Institute’s contribution to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and highlighted the mutual commitment of Kenya and Germany to strengthening cooperation in support of sustainable peace and security.
Opened by Lieutenant General J M Omenda, Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Kenya, the conference ran under the theme “A Continental Approach: Creating Situational Awareness of IED Threats Across Africa and Sharing of Best Practices to Counter the Threat.”
Over the three days, participants explored how IEDs shape modern conflict and peace operations through expert sessions and mission case studies. The forum fostered collaboration, practical learning, and new strategies for regional preparedness, policy coordination, and capacity building.
Major General C L Mwazighe, Director IPSTC, emphasized the importance of continued partnership and knowledge sharing to enhance collective resilience against IEDs.The conference leaves a lasting impact, renewed commitment, stronger partnerships, and improved capabilities to safeguard peace and security across Africa.
The Director IPSTC, Major General Charles Mwazighe, thanked Japan for its consistent support in strengthening regional training capacity and emphasized the need for continued investment in advanced training and equipment to meet evolving peacekeeping demands.
The delegation toured HPSS facilities and received a briefing on Counter-IED training.
