As part of their State Visit to Kenya, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between Kenya and the Netherlands in peacekeeping, security cooperation, and community-driven initiatives. Engaging with trainees, military officials, and grassroots organizations, the royal couple reaffirmed their country’s commitment to promoting regional stability and sustainable peace efforts.
During their tour of IPSTC, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended a course review session for the ongoing United Nations Military Peacekeeping Intelligence (UN MPKI) training, a program sponsored by the Netherlands. Trainees from various African nations shared insights on how the course has enhanced their understanding of intelligence gathering and analysis in peacekeeping operations. The royal couple’s presence reinforced the Netherlands’ dedication to strengthening peacekeeping missions through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, emphasizing the vital role of well-trained personnel in global security.
A special presentation showcased the collaboration between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Netherlands through art. The exhibition featured paintings symbolizing joint efforts in peacekeeping, intelligence training, and counterterrorism, each piece telling a story of resilience, cooperation, and the impact of Dutch support in enhancing Kenya’s security landscape.
The royal couple also engaged with Mothers of Nairobi, an organization dedicated to preventing violent extremism and supporting affected families. The group discussed their efforts in mental health support, reducing stigmatization, raising awareness, and addressing security profiling for individuals at risk of radicalization. A key highlight of their discussion was the Integrated Problem Mapping and Solution Finding System (iMaSS), an innovative approach that helps communities identify the root causes of extremism and develop tailored interventions.
With support from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Mothers of Nairobi receive training and resources to strengthen their efforts in countering radicalization and reintegrating affected individuals into society.
Among those in attendance were the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya; Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Trade, Hon. Rebecca Miano; Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru; Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. John Omenda; Netherlands’ Defence Minister, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans; Director of IPSTC, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei; and senior officials from both Kenya and the Netherlands.
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