During the visit, H.E. Hiroshi was given a comprehensive briefing on the United Nations Triangular Partnership Project (UNTPP), which is currently supporting the ongoing training of the Integrated Explosive Hazard Awareness Training (EHAT) and the Heavy Engineering Equipment (HEE) Basic Machine Operators Training Course which is sponsored by the Government of Japan.

The Ambassador was taken through an overview of the training curriculum and facilities, as well as the overall progress of the current cohort. His visit underscored Japan's continued commitment to enhancing regional peace support capacity through strategic collaboration.

H.E. Amb MATSUURA Hiroshi commended the team of trainers, the United Nations Triangular Partnership Project (UNTPP), and the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) for their dedication and professionalism in delivering high-quality training. He acknowledged their vital role in strengthening regional capacity for peace support operations and expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have made the program a success.

Also in attendance during the visit were Commandant HPSS Brigadier C K Mundui, Defence Attaché Japan to Kenya Commander Keiko Kawashima, Deputy Commandant HPSS Colonel Kinyua, IPSTC Colonel Plans & Programs International Colonel Markus Schefer, Head of Training HPSS Lt Col Alex Neukomm and the UNTPP Training Officer Mary Thiong'o.

The discussions centered on Japan’s support for various strategic initiatives since 2011, with a particular focus on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), the Conflict Cycle, Disaster Risk Reduction, Maritime Security, Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), Community Resilience, and Humanitarian and Environmental Emergencies (HEE). Both parties reflected on the progress made and explored ways to deepen cooperation in these key areas, especially in light of evolving regional and global security dynamics.

This engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and inclusive development. It also opened up new avenues for future joint initiatives, capacity-building programs, and technical partnerships that align with our Centre’s mission of fostering stability and resilience in conflict-prone environments.

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.