EQUIPMENT HANDOVER
A handover ceremony was held at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) to officially receive Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Counter Improvised Explosive Device/Conventional Munitions Disposal training equipment and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) repair kit donated by the Governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The donation marks a significant step in enhancing HPSS’s capacity to deliver high-quality Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training, providing trainees with hands-on experience in detecting, neutralizing, and disposing of explosive threats in increasingly complex operational environments.
Captain Dave Landells, Engineer Adviser British Peace Support Team-Africa (BPST-A) highlighted the critical role of C-IED training in modern peacekeeping operations and emphasized the importance of equipping personnel with the necessary skills and technology to counter evolving explosive threats.
Ms. Veronique Fortin, the Director Directorate of Military Training Cooperation, expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between Canada and IPSTC, noting that the donation reflects Canada’s continued commitment to global peace and security. She emphasized the value of practical training in preparing peacekeepers for the complex threat of improvised explosive devices. She also commended HPSS for its dedication to high-quality training and expressed confidence that the equipment would enhance the effectiveness of its C-IED programs.
H.E. Ms. Jenny Da Rin, Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, reaffirmed Australia’s enduring commitment to strengthening peacekeeping efforts across the region. She emphasized the critical importance of investing in the training and preparedness of peacekeepers to effectively operate in increasingly complex and high-risk environments. In her remark, she commended IPSTC for their professionalism, technical expertise, and continued leadership in advancing counter-IED capabilities, noting their essential role in enhancing the effectiveness and safety of peace support operations.
The Commandant HPSS, Brigadier C K Mundui, expressed gratitude to the Governments of Australia and Canada for their generous donation and support. He noted that the equipment would greatly enhance the school’s ability to deliver effective Counter-IED training. He reaffirmed HPSS’s commitment to high-quality, mission-ready training and underscored the value of international partnerships in strengthening peace support efforts.
The Director IPSTC, Major General C L Mwazighe, thanked the Government of Australia, Canada and United kingdom for their invaluable support, noting that the donation reflects the strong trust international partners place in the Centre. He reaffirmed IPSTC’s commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and excellence in peace support training, and highlighted the vital role of such partnerships in advancing regional and global security.
The handover ceremony highlighted the strength of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges. The enhanced training capability at HPSS is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of peace support operations, reflecting a shared commitment to peace, security, and strategic collaboration.
