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.

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H.E KERSTI KALJULAID PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA VISITS IPSTC

On Saturday, 11 September 2021, the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) hosted H.E Kersti Kaljulaid, President of the Republic of Estonia in her capacity as the United Nations Global Advocate for Every Woman Every Child. H.E Kersti Kaljulaid was received by IPSTC Director, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei alongside the Cabinet Secretary of Defence Dr. Amb. Monica Juma and the Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

During her speech delivery, Director IPSTC exemplified the key role that the Centre continues to play in enhancing regional peace and security through training, research and education. Over the years, the Centre, through its Gender policy has integrated gender mainstreaming with an annual average of 33% of its military, police and civilian participants being females. The Centre also takes pride in offering United Nations accredited courses like Child Protection and other courses with a gender dimension such as Protection of Civilians and Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) courses. These efforts continue to equip peacekeepers with the necessary skills in the protection of vulnerable groups in conflict environments especially women and children.

In her appointment as the United Nations Global Advocate for Every Woman Every Child, H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid highlighted Estonia’s active role in peace support operations as a NATO member state in Mali and Central Africa Republic. As a champion for multilateralism and addressing inequality through leveraging technology as an ‘equalizer of opportunity’ to reach those left furthest behind, she emphasized on the need for collective action in ensuring suffering on women and children in conflict environments is alleviated. H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid reaffirmed the United Nations efforts in addressing major challenges faced by women, children and adolescents through Every Woman Every Child global movement. "When women and children are lost, generations are lost. That is why their security is of importance," she said.

Most importantly, H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid cautioned on the changing nature of convectional conflicts to cyber warfare. She posited that there is need to address emerging cyber security warfare and its equally devastating effects it has on societies and the international community. She remarked that the Government of Estonia through its Non-Permanent Membership seat in the United Nations Security Council will continually call upon collective efforts in ensuring that the world becomes adept to cyber security threats.

General Robert Kibochi lauded H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid’s efforts in realising United Nations Millennium Development Goals through the fulfilment of Every Woman Every Child movement mandate. He pointed out on the need for global efforts to address environmental challenges both as triggers and products of conflicts. ‘The Kenya Defence Forces through its Environmental Soldier Programme continues to put environmental issues at the heart of its peace support operations.

The event culminated with a tree planting exercise by H. E. Kersti Kaljulaid led by Dr. Amb. Monica Juma and Brigadier Joyce Sitienei.