OFFICIAL CORNERSTONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE COUNTER - IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE TRAINING WING AT HPSS
On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, German Deputy Ambassador accredited to Kenya, Mr. Thomas Wimmer laid the cornerstone for the new Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Wing project at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), Embakasi.
The changing nature of warfare has necessitated a rethink of tactics in the theatre of war. New threats such as terrorism have led to increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) against the military, police and civilian components. Increasingly, states within the international community have seen the need for collective action to respond to contemporary security challenges.
The new C-IED project thus, comes at an opportune time in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking during the event, the chief guest affirmed German's belief in capacity building of regional peacekeeping training centres. He further assured Kenya of continued support.
The multi-million Kenya shillings project will be a state of the art facility and the only one in Africa. It is envisioned to host up to 300 participants and will incorporate modern and innovative approaches to C-IED efforts.
Invited guests were welcomed to witness live C-IED demonstrations by Major H. Njagi which included actual preparation and disruption of an Improvised Explosive Device. The ceremony culminated with the laying of the cornerstone by Mr. Thomas Wimmer and a tree planting exercise thereafter.
The Humanitarian Peace Support School continues to provide training in C-IED, pre-deployment and disaster preparedness and management. It currently boasts of 7 C-IED courses awaiting UN Accreditation namely; Ground Sign Awareness, All Arms Search, IED Threat Mitigation, IED Threat Mitigation Senior Leadership, Conventional Munition Disposal / Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Weapon Technical Intelligence, and Environmental Hazard Awareness Training.
Also in attendance were Assistant Chief of Defence Forces - Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training, Major General P. K Muteti, Secretary of Administration for Defence Mr. Francis Mutie, Director IPSTC Brigadier Joyce Sitienei, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Allied Defence Advisors and senior officers.
