The Kenya Defence Forces, has over the last three days been hosting the 6th Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Conference. The event was held at various venues including the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi, the KCB Leadership Centre, and the International Peace Support Training College (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi. Sponsored by the British Peace Support Team (Africa), the conference began on August 27th and concluded on August 29th, 2024.
The event gathered Subject Matter Experts from across Africa and beyond to share best practices and enhance situational awareness of current IED trends and threats. It featured various expert presentations and practical sessions on counter-IED measures, emerging threats, and enemy tactics.
During the opening ceremony, the Chief Guest, British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr. Neil Wigan, emphasized the importance of the conference in bringing together both military and civilian experts on C-IED.
“We appreciate the efforts of countries engaged in Peace Keeping Operations to address the threat posed by IEDs. This is a challenge we must confront head-on and with determination. The collaboration we are seeing this week enhances these efforts. Your contributions have been vital to the success of this conference,” he stated.
The Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Tarus, representing the Chief of the Defence Forces, expressed gratitude to all participants for their involvement.
“Your presence at this workshop underscores the global interest in supporting regional efforts to mitigate IED threats. IPSTC and HPSS continue to play a crucial role in reducing the vulnerability of peacekeepers to IEDs and other explosive hazards during Peace Support Operations by training Troop Contributing Countries on C-IED matters,” he remarked.
Other attendees included the UK High Commission Defence Advisor, Brigadier Oliver Bryant; Director IPSTC, Brigadier Joyce Sitieni; HPSS Commandant, Colonel John Rongoei; Commander of British Peace Support Training – Africa (BPST-A), Colonel Andy Pitt; and various experts, military representatives from African countries, and international partners.
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