UK DEFENCE ATTACHÉ FOR SOMALIA VISIT TO HPSS

UK Defence Attaché for Somalia Lt Col James Christie and incoming UK Deputy Defense Advisor to Kenya Cdr Paul Durham during a familiarization visit to Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS). The visit was aimed at affirming the School's capability in C-IED training for possible partnership with the UK Embassy in Somalia.

He was received by Lt Col Peter Wanga, the Senior Instructor C-IED Wing alongside IPSTC staff led by the Chief of Staff , Lt Col Jonty S Ambrose.

The DA appreciated HPSS' capability to conduct C-IED training and promised continued support towards making the School's C-IED Wing a Regional Center of Excellence.

VISIT BY THE DIRECTOR DIVISION OF UN SPECIAL ACTIVITIES TO HPSS

The Director Division of UN Special Activities Mr. Rick Martins led a UNON delegation to the Humanitarian Peace Support School- Embakasi to assess the possibility of re- introducing the triangular partnership program (TPP).

The program focuses on training Project managers and Plant operators to improve the African Rapid Deployment Engineering Capability (ARDEC). ARDEC aims at ensuring rapid deployment of peacekeeping operations and high quality operations through deployment of skilled personnel and state of the art equipment.

He was hosted by Director IPSTC Brig. C Mwazighe alongside HPSS staff led by the Commandant HPSS Col H Magahanga.

His visit culminated with a tour of HPSS C-IED training area where instructors showcased HPSS C-IED training capability as a regional C-IED training Centre.

IPSTC WEBINAR

International Peace Support Training  Centre conducted its first ever webinar today to disseminate the findings of a research conducted earlier this year titled, "Assessment of the Implementation of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 5 in the Kenya's Maritime Security Enforcement Sector.'' The research study was carried out by Major S Mwachinalo and Dr. M Sitawa of the Peace and Security Research Department.

In his opening remarks, Brigadier C Mwazighe thanked the participants for virtually attending the webinar as well as UNDP Kenya for sponsoring the research. Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Resident, Ms. M Mashologu expressed gratitude for the continued partnership that UNDP has had with IPSTC over the years. She continued that the research came in at a very crucial time in addressing gender inequalities and that the recommendations would go a long way in gender mainstreaming if at all they would be implemented.

The webinar saw the participation of nearly 100 people drawn from different sectors such as Maritime Security Sector, Academicians, Researchers and development experts from International Non-Governmental Organizations.

Importantly, the research study established that Kenya's Maritime Security Sector is predominantly male dominated with low levels of participation by women in leadership roles. Only 23.48% encompass women in the maritime security sector. Lack of supportive work systems and stereotypes that have reinforced existing gender hierarchies were some of the reasons behind the low participation.

The study also established that women working in the Maritime Security Sector were prone to sexual harassments mostly perpetrated by senior officers and peers. These acts of sexual harassment have the potential to fuel stereotypes, reduce productivity, increase stress leading to psychological trauma and reinforce existing gender hierarchies.

Lastly, the study recommended that the State Department should advocate for and lobby Parliament of Kenya to legislate a Gender Inclusion Fund which is to address gender mainstreaming within the maritime security sector.