In October I will be attending the International Conference on Transitional Justice in Post-Conflict Societies, hosted by the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) in Nairobi, Kenya. To help myself prepare for this trip, I wanted to look into the work currently being done at HIPSIR. What I found was very encouraging!
HIPSIR is part of Hekima College, which is a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Founded in 2004, the MA program in Peace Studies and International Relations at HIPSIR has graduated over 100 students from across Africa and the world, maintaining a ninety percent graduation retention rate.
Aside from the Master’s program, HIPSIR also offers accredited certificates in fields like Preventative Diplomacy, Conflict Analysis, Human Rights and Governance, and National Healing and Reconciliation in Kenya.
I am very excited to attend this year’s conference as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Hekima Institute. It promises to be an exciting two days. Former president of Tanzania, His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa is the Guest of Honour, as well as Deputy Chair of the African Union (AU) Commission Mr. Erastus Mwencha. Also worth mentioning, the papers presented at this conference will form the inaugural volume of the Africa Peace Studies Journal, which will be launched by HIPSIR.
I can’t wait to meet some of the HIPSIR faculty and staff to learn more about this Institute and their important work!
Emily K. Maiden 