Kenya unveils counter-IED facility to boost peacekeeping efforts

Kenya has unveiled a state-of-the-art Counter Improvised Explosives Devices (Counter-IED) complex at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Kahawa Garrison, Nairobi County, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s security and peacekeeping capabilities.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya inaugurated the facility on Tuesday, emphasizing its role in bolstering Kenya’s efforts in counterterrorism and peace operations.

The facility, which includes lecture halls, a 200-seat auditorium, a library, an in-patient health center, and an IED museum across twelve office blocks, was funded by the German government.

The Humanitarian Peace Support School, where the complex is housed, operates under the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), a recognized institution for training, research, and education in peace support operations.

The center is currently headed by Brigadier Joyce Sitienei of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

During the launch, CS Tuya, in the presence of Germany's Parliamentary State Secretary for Defence, Thomas Hitschler, acknowledged Germany’s role in financing the facility, stating that it reflected the strong partnership between the two nations.

"By supporting the construction of this complex, Germany has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Kenya's determined pursuit for regional and global peace and stability by enhancing our country's defence and peace-building capabilities," she said.

The Defence CS pointed out that the increasing use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups posed a serious security threat and expressed confidence that the new facility would be instrumental in addressing this challenge.

"The increasing deployment of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as a weapon of choice by terrorists is a major concern. We believe the new Counter-IED complex will help us to address this challenge," CS Tuya remarked.

Beyond tackling security threats, the facility is expected to further establish IPSTC as a globally recognized training institution for peacekeeping personnel.

CS Tuya also emphasized that Germany’s support for the project strengthened Kenya-Germany relations, which date back to 1963.

"From the onset, let me express the Government of Kenya’s gratitude to the Republic of Germany for funding the construction of this critical facility," she stated.

"This support strengthens the deep bilateral ties between our two countries and demonstrates Germany's positioning as one of Kenya's foremost development partners."

She reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in peacekeeping initiatives, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in enhancing knowledge exchange and addressing emerging security threats.

"As the Government of Kenya, we shall continue to invest in the International Peace Support Training Centre as we endeavour to build capacity in education, research, and training for peace support operations," CS Tuya affirmed.

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."

Kenya’s role in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution was also highlighted during the event, with CS Tuya acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities that come with the country’s geopolitical positioning in a volatile region.

"As a country, we exist in a volatile region characterized by sporadic episodes of instability that we are called upon to intervene both as a caring neighbor and as a responsible member of the community of nations," she noted.

Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary for Defence, Thomas Hitschler, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Kenya in its peacekeeping efforts, recognizing the country's role as a regional pillar of stability.

The event also featured remarks from KDF’s General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General Luka Kutto, IPSTC Director Brigadier Joyce Sitienei, and German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth.