Kenya
Kenyan MPs have condemned the British Army Training Unit Kenya after a parliamentary inquiry uncovered a pattern of sexual misconduct, environmental damage and unsafe practices. Lawmakers say the base has operated with impunity for decades, leaving communities harmed and justice long delayed.
Kenyan lawmakers have delivered a fierce rebuke to the British Army Training Unit Kenya after a parliamentary inquiry uncovered what they call a long-standing pattern of abuse, misconduct and disregard for local communities.
The findings, released by Parliament’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, detail harrowing accounts of sexual assault, rape, abandonment of children fathered by British soldiers and intimidation of survivors who tried to report crimes. MPs described the conduct of some troops as a “disturbing trend” that has left families traumatised and without recourse.
Residents living near the training grounds in Laikipia and Samburu told investigators that their concerns were ignored for years. Women who fell pregnant said they were left to raise children alone after the soldiers returned to the United Kingdom. Others recounted cases where complaints to local authorities went nowhere, fuelling a sense that the soldiers were protected by an untouchable system.
Beyond allegations of sexual misconduct, the report highlights environmental breaches linked to military exercises. Communities raised alarm over toxic waste dumping, damage to grazing land and livestock, and injuries suffered by local workers who were tasked with disposing of unexploded ordnance without proper safety standards.
One of the most shocking cases referenced in the inquiry is the 2012 murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru. Her body was found in a hotel septic tank near the base, and despite public outrage, justice has been slow. The arrest of a former soldier in the United Kingdom this year has renewed pressure for accountability.
MPs also criticised the British side for repeatedly refusing to appear before the committee. Instead, the inquiry received unsigned written responses submitted through diplomatic channels, which lawmakers described as dismissive and disrespectful.
The committee has recommended a sweeping overhaul of Kenya’s defence cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom. This includes establishing a clear code of conduct for visiting forces, stronger environmental and safety regulations, mandatory support for children fathered by foreign troops and civilian oversight to ensure accountability.
In its response, BATUK insisted it has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse and maintains that its operations comply with Kenyan laws. However, the parliamentary report notes that trust between the base and local communities has eroded sharply over the years.
