In her opening remarks, Brigadier Sitienei highlighted the Centre's longstanding partnership with the UK, which dates back to 2011.

During the visit, he was briefed on the Centre’s key activities, particularly those supported by the UK, with a focus on Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) initiatives. He expressed his appreciation for the Centre’s extensive research and training efforts, commending its role in capacity building for regional and global peace and stability.

The visit concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony and the exchange of mementos.

Also present during the visit was Defence Attaché UK to Kenya, Brigadier Oliver Bryant.

The Head of Applied Research Department IPSTC Lieutenant Colonel G Onsongo, delivered an IPSTC brief to the students and teachers, providing an overview of the organization’s role in promoting peace, security, and stability. He highlighted IPSTC’s efforts in training and research on peace support operations, emphasizing how peace begins with individuals and communities. Through his address, he encouraged the students to practice discipline, respect, and cooperation in their daily lives, reinforcing the idea that they, too, play a role in fostering a peaceful society.

During the session, representatives from IPSTC spoke to the children about the significance of peace in society and how they could contribute to a peaceful environment both at school and at home. They emphasized discipline as a key foundation for success and personal growth. The mentorship segment encouraged the students to seek guidance from positive role models and develop good character.

To make the session more interactive, the children participated in Q&A sessions, storytelling, and discussions, which made the lessons more relatable and impactful. By the end of the event, the students had gained valuable insights into the role of peace, discipline, and mentorship in their lives.

The visit by IPSTC, along with the involvement of the Rotary Club of Nairobi North, left a lasting impression, inspiring the young learners to embrace these values in their daily lives. Rotary Club of Nairobi North is especially grateful to IPSTC for setting the pace, for this Initiative shall set the stage for Rotary's further interaction, with the school and the community, in line with Rotary's seven areas of focus.

In her address, Hon Tuya expressed the Government of Kenya’s gratitude to the Republic of Germany for funding the construction of this critical facility, noting that such support strengthens the deep bilateral ties between the two nations and underscores Germany’s role as one of Kenya’s foremost development partners. She emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing security training, stating, “As the Government of Kenya, we shall continue to invest in the International Peace Support Training Centre as we endeavor to build capacity in education, research, and training for peace support operations. We also commit to support collaborative efforts that shall enable us to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and enhance our collective capacity to tackle emerging threats to global peace.”

Mr. Hitschler expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable support in bringing the project to fruition. He formally handed over the Complex as a symbol of their strong and collaborative partnership.

The General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka K Kutto on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces General Kahariri commended the timely completion of the Counter-IED Complex, noting that it reflects the importance of building wider partnerships and fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders in Peace Support Operations. He emphasized that the facility will play a crucial role in equipping security personnel with the necessary skills to counter emerging threats, ultimately enhancing mission effectiveness. He further acknowledged the collective efforts that contributed to the project’s success and reiterated the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in peace and security initiatives.

The German Ambassador to Kenya His Excellency Sebastian Groth expressed his appreciation to all the stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the Counter-IED Complex. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the project a reality and emphasized the importance of continued partnership in enhancing security and peace support operations. He reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s security initiatives and stated that he looks forward to deepening the cooperation between the two nations.

The Director IPSTC Brigadier Joyce C. Sitienei expressed her gratitude to the Federal Republic of Germany for funding the construction of the Counter-IED Complex, acknowledging its invaluable support in strengthening training and capacity-building efforts. She highlighted that the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) has achieved accreditation for 11 Counter-IED courses, reinforcing its role as a premier institution for specialized training in explosive threat mitigation.She emphasized that the new facility will enhance the school’s ability to equip security personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to address evolving security challenges effectively.

As part of the event, guests were taken on a guided tour of the newly inaugurated Counter-IED Complex, where they explored its advanced training facilities designed to enhance the detection, mitigation, and disposal of improvised explosive devices. The tour also included a visit to a support building, which houses additional resources for training and operational coordination.

Attendees witnessed a live Counter-IED demonstration displaying practical response techniques used in real-life scenarios, highlighting the effectiveness of the training programs that will be conducted at the facility.