KIFLPS hosts 10th Peace League Africa Awards in Nairobi

Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages marked 10 Years of Peace Awards, 5th Graduation in Nairobi/HANDOUT

The Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies (KIFLPS) has marked a historic milestone by hosting the 10th Peace League Africa Awards.

The event was hosted alongside KIFLPS’s 5th graduation ceremony in Nairobi.

The event brought together leaders from government, security agencies, diplomacy, conservation, business and youth organisations to celebrate peace, education and service to society.

The awards annually recognise leaders across different categories, including governors, senators, women representatives, ambassadors and professionals who have demonstrated commitment to peace and development.

During the ceremony, several individuals were honoured for their contributions to peace, security, conservation, business and community development.

Among the awardees were Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, police spokesperson Michael Nyagah and Kenya Wildlife Service Director-General Dr. Erastus Kanga.

Others were Joseph J.K. Dadacha, businessman Bilal Shariff Hussein of Union Homes Limited, and real estate developer Ibrahim Mohamed Maki of Rubistone Properties Limited, recognised for 15 years of excellence in real estate development.

Ahmed Shamsuddin was also awarded as a Champion in Community and Youth Empowerment for his work in conservation, youth mentorship and advocacy for legal and responsible gun ownership.

Speaking during the ceremony, KIFLPS Managing Director Dr. Sheikh Hassan Kinyua Omari described the day as a culmination of a decade-long journey in peace- building.

“This has been a great day. For the last 10 years we have consistently held what we call the Peace Awards Day, where Peace League Africa recognises individuals who have contributed to peace in Kenya and across Africa,” he said.

Omari also serves as the Chairman of Muslim Professionals League Africa, CEO of Peace League Africa, Director of the Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professorates, and CEO of the International Association of Languages.

Omari noted that before joining Peace League Africa in leadership, he himself had been honoured three times by the organisation, before later being appointed its CEO.

This year, 250 students graduated from the institute, with about 100 attending the ceremony physically, while others graduated virtually due to work commitments abroad.

The institute currently offers training in 43 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Korean, making it the most diverse language institute in Africa.

“There is no other language school in Kenya offering more than 20 languages. Even universities offer fewer languages. As an institute, we are leading in Africa,” Omari said.

The institute has expanded regionally, with branches in Uganda and plans to reopen its Dar es Salaam campus in January after a temporary closure during elections.

Beyond language training, KIFLPS also offers courses in security studies, diplomacy and peace studies.

Also speaking at the event was Ahmed Shamsuddin, the Secretary General of the Angao Kenya Defensive Pistol Federation, who highlighted the collaboration between UNGAO Kenya and the institute.

He said the institute supports UNGAO by providing multilingual orientation programmes for firearm owners and training members in languages, security studies, diplomacy and peace.

Omari revealed that KIFLPS and its partners have reached more than 10,000 youths across the 47 counties through mentorship programmes, sports academies, school outreach and weekly food distribution to street families.

Looking ahead, he announced plans to upgrade the institution into a fully-fledged university through collaborations with seven international universities, including the Open University of Russia, the Open University of America and Interfaith Global University.