The Government says the resumption of military exercises underscores the strong Kenya–United Kingdom defence partnership and commitment to regional peace and security.
By Joel Esabu | Imani Media News
July 29, 2026
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and British Army troops during a joint military exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki. PHOTO | BATUK
The Government has announced the resumption of joint military training between Kenya and the United Kingdom at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki, days after uncertainty surrounding the cancellation of this year’s exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the decision reflects the enduring relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom, built on mutual respect, dialogue and strategic cooperation.
Mudavadi noted that the two countries had successfully resolved the issues through diplomatic engagement, allowing the long-standing defence partnership to continue.
“The Kenya–United Kingdom defence partnership continues to advance Kenya’s national interests. It strengthens the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces, contributes to regional peace and security, supports Kenyan jobs and businesses, and provides significant economic benefits to the communities that host these activities,” Mudavadi said.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the UK while promoting regional peace, security and stability.
The announcement comes just days after the United Kingdom indicated that the 2026 edition of Exercise Haraka Storm—a six-week combat training programme involving British and Kenyan troops—would be relocated outside Kenya after efforts to obtain the required licences failed.
The move sparked widespread speculation over the future of the Kenya–UK military partnership, with allegations emerging that political interference and bribery demands had contributed to the delay.
However, National Assembly Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the delay was purely a legal matter.
According to Koech, concerns centred on the legal framework governing British troops operating in Kenya, particularly issues relating to legal jurisdiction, immunity and accountability.
He revealed that the parliamentary committee had conducted a two-year inquiry into BATUK’s operations before tabling its report in the National Assembly in November 2025.
Among the committee’s recommendations were provisions requiring Kenyan courts to exercise jurisdiction over serious offences committed by visiting troops, mandatory cooperation with Kenyan criminal investigations and parliamentary inquiries, stronger environmental safeguards, welfare and child-support obligations, and enhanced protections for communities hosting military exercises.
National Assembly Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech addresses the media on matters concerning BATUK operations. PHOTO | Parliament of Kenya
Calls for Accountability
The committee also highlighted unresolved concerns surrounding the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a case linked to British soldiers stationed at BATUK, alongside longstanding grievances raised by residents of Nanyuki and Laikipia regarding the military unit’s operations.
Koech emphasized that while Kenya highly values its defence partnership with the United Kingdom because of its contribution to counter-terrorism operations and military capacity building, the relationship must be founded on equality, accountability and respect for Kenya’s sovereignty.
“Partnership must rest on equality, on respect for Kenyan law, and on genuine accountability. That is the standard the Committee has upheld, transparently and on the record, and it is the standard we will continue to uphold—for the people of Nanyuki and Laikipia, for the family of the late Agnes Wanjiru, and for the sovereignty of the Republic of Kenya,” Koech said.
Looking Ahead
The resumption of the joint military exercises signals renewed confidence in the Kenya–United Kingdom defence partnership after weeks of uncertainty.
Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in military training, counter-terrorism efforts and regional security, while addressing legal and accountability concerns raised by Kenyan institutions and local communities.
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