UK soldiers in a past training/COURTESY
The United Kingdom has defended its military relationship with Kenya while acknowledging concerns raised over the conduct of some British troops and the legal framework governing the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).
The UK Ministry of Defence said it “highly values” its defence relationship with Kenya, even as Nairobi continues to push for changes to the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and greater accountability over allegations involving British personnel.
The response comes amid renewed scrutiny over the future of the military partnership, following concerns raised by Kenyan lawmakers over jurisdiction, alleged misconduct, environmental issues and the handling of cases involving Kenyan citizens.
The issue recently escalated after the UK cancelled a planned September training exercise in Kenya after it was unable to secure the necessary permissions.
The two sides have since moved to restore cooperation, with BATUK and the Kenya Defence Forces preparing for fresh joint training.
In its latest response, the UK said it had been working with Kenya to implement recommendations contained in the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee’s inquiry into BATUK.
“Since the report by Kenya’s National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee’s inquiry into conduct at the British Army Training Unit Kenya was published, the UK and Kenya have worked together to implement a number of the committee’s recommendations,” the Ministry of Defence said.
The UK said joint operating procedures on unexploded ordnance had been finalised, while evidence packs relating to environmental and land-use compliance had been submitted.
It also said new measures had been introduced to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by British personnel.
The ministry said senior British officials met Kenyan government officials, parliamentarians and members of the committee in June to review progress and discuss corporate social responsibility programmes completed in Kenya.
The UK maintained that its personnel are required to comply with Kenyan laws and regulations.
“The UK expects the highest standard of behaviour from our personnel. UK personnel in Kenya must abide by and respect the Kenyan Constitution, law and regulations at all times,” it said.
The ministry said it remained ready to investigate allegations falling within its jurisdiction while stressing that due process was necessary to protect the rights of Kenyans and local communities.
The question of jurisdiction has emerged as a key issue in negotiations over the defence agreement.
Kenya’s parliamentary committee has previously raised reservations about aspects of the pact, particularly accountability for alleged offences that may be committed by visiting personnel.
Parliament has also insisted that its concerns be addressed before the agreement is fully operationalised.
The UK, however, said the 2021 DCA sets out how jurisdiction is determined in different circumstances in arrangements consistent with international practice.
It said sexual offences fall under Kenyan jurisdiction unless they are alleged to have been committed solely against another member of the visiting force, civilian component or dependant.
On the long-running case involving Agnes Wanjiru, the UK said Kenya retains jurisdiction and that Britain has been supporting the investigation whenever requested.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Agnes Wanjiru, and we remain absolutely committed to helping them secure justice,” the ministry said.
The UK also said a British national sought by Kenyan authorities in connection with the investigation into an alleged 2012 murder was arrested by the National Crime Agency in November 2025.
On concerns over paternity and children alleged to have been fathered by British soldiers, the UK said it was working with the Kenyan Government to strengthen systems for addressing such cases.
It said soldiers deploying to Kenya must undergo additional training on unacceptable behaviour, including modules covering pregnancy and children.
The ministry said soldiers receive further briefings before and upon arrival in Kenya on appropriate conduct and the consequences of irresponsible behaviour.
The UK said it has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, with personnel found, through due process, to have breached the policy facing dismissal.
Despite the disagreements, London said it remained committed to strengthening the “deep and enduring” military partnership with Nairobi.
The latest development comes as Kenya and Britain seek to resolve differences over the defence agreement while maintaining military cooperation, including joint training and broader security collaboration.