The Ministry of Defence (MOD), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFDA), reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to global peace and security by convening a high-level Technical Workshop on International Peacekeeping at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS).
The day-long forum brought together diplomats, defence experts, senior officers, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of peace support operations. With international missions facing new and complex threats ranging from terrorism to cyber insecurity, participants underscored the need for innovative strategies, enhanced regional cooperation, and stronger institutional capacities.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Josphat K. Maikara hailed Kenya’s consistent role in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations and African Union, noting that the country’s deployments have been a stabilising force in conflict regions. He further outlined strategic priorities for Kenya’s future role, including enhancing training through the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), mobilising resources through diplomatic engagement, shaping peacekeeping mandates at the UN and AU, and strengthening institutional coordination between MOD and MFDA.
Military experts enriched the workshop with practical insights. Col. C. Lagat and Mr. G. Kinuthia examined Kenya’s engagement at the UN Security Council, highlighting how the country championed African security priorities and influenced international policy debates. Brig. D. N. Nguchi and Lt. Col. Makau Mbevi focused on operational readiness, stressing the importance of training, capacity building, and inter-agency cooperation as essential tools for building strategic influence and sustaining effective peace operations.
A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the centrality of capacity building. Speakers noted that sustainable peace requires not only well-trained personnel but also harmonised strategies and closer collaboration across agencies to ensure readiness for deployment.
By the close of the event, participants endorsed the need for greater collaboration between MOD and MFDA, while expressing optimism that the insights and strategies discussed would not only strengthen Kenya’s role in peacekeeping but also ensure the Defence Forces remain prepared to confront evolving security threats such as terrorism, cyber insecurity, and humanitarian crises.
The workshop was hailed as a milestone in enhancing Kenya’s influence in global peacekeeping, demonstrating the country’s continued leadership in advancing stability and security both regionally and internationally.
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