The UK has agreed to pay Ksh520 million (about $4 million) in compensation to thousands of Kenyans affected by a 2021 forest fire caused during military training in Laikipia County.
The settlement follows a four-year legal battle involving 7,723 victims who lost property, endured health complications, and reported environmental damage after the blaze destroyed more than 10,000 acres in the Lolldaiga Conservancy.
The fire is believed to have started accidentally during a British military training exercise. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) posted a video at the time showing its officers battling the blaze, in which it claimed the community and wildlife had been kept safe.
The payout has been classified as an “ex gratia” settlement, meaning the UK government has not accepted liability for the fire.
It is a voluntary payment intended to resolve the case without further court proceedings.
While many welcomed the decision as a rare legal victory against the British Army in Kenya, most victims expressed frustration over the small amounts they are set to receive from Britain.
Victims Receive Minimal Compensation from Britain
Each beneficiary is expected to get about Ksh22,000 ($170). Many described the sum as too little given the scale of their suffering.
Families said they lost homes, livestock, and crops, while others continue to endure lifelong health problems linked to the blaze.
“It’s a success story because it’s the first time we’ve ever won a case against the British Army in Kenya, but it’s so little it’s almost nothing,” said Laikipia County MP Cate Waruguru.
“They feel that their sweat and their struggle have not borne any fruit,” she added.
Community members also pointed out that water sources in the region were polluted by the fire, worsening their living conditions.
Also Read: Govt Begins Compensation of Select Farmers; How to Apply
Some claimed they lost relatives to illnesses brought on by smoke and environmental contamination.
Calls for Change in Military Training
Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, who led the class-action lawsuit, welcomed the settlement but said it fell far short of expectations. He explained that victims had hoped for compensation nearly 20 times higher from Britain.
“Military training and conservation are incompatible. There is a need to separate them,” said Kubai.
Also Read: Win for 3,000 Kenyans as Supreme Court Rules on Ksh1.3 Billion Compensation
He noted that the payout is not enough to enable residents to relocate from areas close to training grounds where similar risks remain.
Although the compensation closes a long legal battle, many argue it does little to address the wider issue of the impact of foreign military exercises in Kenya.
For victims, the payment may bring limited relief, but concerns over safety, health, and the environment remain unresolved.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
