VISIT BY THE SWITZERLAND AMBASSADOR TO KENYA
The Switzerland Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Mirko Giulietti, visited the Humanitarian Peace Support School, where he was received by the Director IPSTC Major General C L Mwazighe and the Commandant HPSS Brigadier C Mundui. The visit formed part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration in support of international peace operations and capacity building.
During the visit, the Ambassador was taken through a comprehensive briefing on the mandate of the institution, its training programmes, and the institution’s contribution to preparing personnel for peace support operations. Discussions also focused on existing capacity gaps and opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Switzerland and the training institution to further strengthen operational readiness for peace missions.
In his remarks, the Director of IPSTC highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing the Centre’s mission of building the capacity of peace support personnel across the region and beyond.The Ambassador commended the institution for its role in advancing professional training for peace operations and reiterated Switzerland’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance global peace and security.
The Ambassador observed the ongoing Heavy Equipment Engineering Intermediate Course under UNTPP, which is currently being delivered by a Swiss instructor. The programme, which focuses on enhancing engineering and operational support capabilities for peacekeeping missions, reflects the collaborative efforts between the United Nations and member states to strengthen the technical capacity of troop-contributing countries.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between Switzerland and IPSTC in advancing professional training and capacity development for peace support operations. Through such engagements, the Centre continues to reinforce its role as a key regional hub for peace support training and collaboration.
The visit highlighted the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany, with discussions underscoring Germany’s continued support to Kenya’s peace and security agenda, particularly in peace support training and multilateral cooperation. Hon. Tuya noted that the engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening capacity building for regional and international peace support operations.
Bilateral talks focused on enhancing defence cooperation, including progress towards a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which is expected to deepen collaboration in areas such as training, research and development, and counterterrorism. Hon. Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening defence ties and supporting regional and international peace and security efforts.
Opened by Lieutenant General J M Omenda, Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Kenya, the conference ran under the theme “A Continental Approach: Creating Situational Awareness of IED Threats Across Africa and Sharing of Best Practices to Counter the Threat.”
Over the three days, participants explored how IEDs shape modern conflict and peace operations through expert sessions and mission case studies. The forum fostered collaboration, practical learning, and new strategies for regional preparedness, policy coordination, and capacity building.
Major General C L Mwazighe, Director IPSTC, emphasized the importance of continued partnership and knowledge sharing to enhance collective resilience against IEDs.The conference leaves a lasting impact, renewed commitment, stronger partnerships, and improved capabilities to safeguard peace and security across Africa.
