LANDMARK TECHNICAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN IPSTC AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND

The International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) and the Government of Switzerland have signed a landmark technical agreement, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The agreement, signed by His Excellency Ambassador Mirko Giulietti, the Swiss Ambassador to Kenya and Director IPSTC, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei,at the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi, paves the way for the secondment of a Swiss civilian expert (“Senior Learning Specialist”) to IPSTC.

This engagement falls under the broader framework of the existing Bilateral Agreement between Kenya and Switzerland, and aims to further strengthen peace support training, institutional development, and efforts to promote regional stability.

Speaking during the ceremony, Brigadier Sitienei reiterated that: “This agreement is a testament to the strength and longevity of Kenya’s collaboration with the Government of Switzerland. It underscores our shared commitment to peace, learning, and the sustainable development of security institutions.”

Ambassador Giulietti also emphasized the importance of partnership, stating that: “Through this partnership, Switzerland reaffirms its dedication to supporting regional peace efforts and the important work being done at IPSTC. Together, we continue to invest in lasting solutions for peace and security in the region and beyond.

Present during the ceremony were Mr. Steve Tharakan, Deputy Head of Mission, IPSTC Colonel Plans and Programmes International Colonel Markus Schefer and Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Opiyo. Kenya and Switzerland share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration, particularly in peacekeeping, training, and diplomacy.

CURRICULUM WRITING BOARD

The curriculum writing board for the Female Military Officer’s Course and the Gender in Peace Operations Course is officially underway. This four-day working session brings together subject matter experts to collaboratively design comprehensive and impactful curricula.

Speaking during the opening session, Col C. Lagat reaffirmed IPSTC’s commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, stating, “guided by its Gender Policy, IPSTC remains steadfast in championing gender equality and the WPS agenda both within the Centre and in our broader engagements. We recognize that to achieve lasting and meaningful impact, our operations, programmes, and stakeholder engagements must be firmly rooted in principles of gender inclusion and equality.”

This initiative marks a significant step toward institutionalizing gender-responsive training in peace operations.

VISIT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

On 7 April 2025, we had the honor of hosting the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, John Healey, at the Centre, where he was warmly welcomed by the Director, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei.

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.