The Kenyan government has confirmed that Kenya and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement to allow the planned military training exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) to proceed, describing it as a sign of the strong and enduring relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
In a statement on July 28, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the outcome demonstrates the ability of the two countries to resolve challenges through dialogue while preserving their long-standing partnership.
Kenya Says BATUK Partnership Advances National Security and Local Economies
Mudavadi said the decision reflects decades of cooperation founded on mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to promoting peace and security.
He noted that the Kenya-United Kingdom defence partnership continues to serve Kenya’s national interests by strengthening the operational capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces while contributing to regional peace and stability.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the collaboration also supports Kenyan jobs and businesses and generates significant economic benefits for communities that host BATUK training activities.
“The Government of Kenya welcomes the decision for the planned military training exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya to proceed,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the positive outcome had been made possible through the close cooperation and shared commitment between Kenya and the United Kingdom, saying both countries remain focused on building a partnership that delivers lasting benefits to their people.
Also Read: Nelson Koech Sets Out Facts on Kenya-UK BATUK Deal After Claims of Ksh 3Bn Demand
Mudavadi also said Kenya remains committed to strengthening defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, adding that the government will continue working closely with its British counterparts to advance shared goals in peace, security and regional stability.
“As we look ahead, Kenya remains committed to working closely with the United Kingdom to deepen our longstanding defence cooperation and advance our shared commitment to peace, security and regional stability,” stated Mudavadi.
Kenya Earlier Dismissed Claims BATUK Operations Were Ending
The latest announcement follows an earlier clarification by the Kenyan government after reports suggested that a planned British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) exercise had been called off because of delays in renewing the necessary government licences.
In a statement issued on July 24, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs dismissed claims that the development signaled the end of BATUK’s presence in Kenya or a collapse of defence cooperation between Nairobi and London.
The government explained that the Kenya-United Kingdom defence partnership remained in place and that the delay affected only the planned training exercise, not the military relationship between the two countries.
Mudavadi also explained that the renewed Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement was undergoing the required parliamentary approval process and had been submitted to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations for review.
At the time, the government maintained that reports claiming the defence partnership had been terminated or that BATUK operations had come to an end were inaccurate.
Also Read: Kenya Clarifies Withdrawal of UK Military After Delayed License Renewal
Bribery Allegations Deepen BATUK Dispute as Gachagua and Parliament Trade Claims
The BATUK standoff also sparked political controversy after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused senior government officials and Members of Parliament of demanding KSh3 billion from the United Kingdom to facilitate the approval of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Speaking during a church service at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County, Gachagua alleged that members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations sought the money before approving the agreement. He further claimed that part of the funds was intended to support President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign.
“The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations. The chairman is called Nelson Koech; he is Ruto’s man. He told the British, “For us to renew the contract, we want three billion shillings. Keep one billion for yourselves and take two billion to Ruto.” Gachagua alleged.
The allegations came after uncertainty over the renewal of the defence agreement led to the postponement of a planned British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) exercise.
However, BATUK dismissed claims that its operations in Kenya had been terminated, maintaining that only the scheduled military exercise had been delayed as discussions over the agreement continued.
“The exercise has been postponed pending the completion of the necessary approvals. BATUK remains committed to its longstanding partnership with Kenya, and our activities continue in accordance with existing arrangements,” BATUK said in an earlier statement.
The National Assembly’s Defence Committee Chairperson, Nelson Koech, also dismissed Gachagua’s claims, saying Parliament has no role in negotiating bilateral defence agreements.
Koech explained that the committee’s responsibility is limited to reviewing the agreement after it is submitted by the Executive to ensure it complies with the Constitution and adequately safeguards Kenya’s interests.
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