The United Kingdom has responded following the publication of a report by Members of Parliament in Kenya over an inquiry into conduct at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).
The National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, in its report, indicted British soldiers training in Kenya for decades of alleged human rights violations, environmental destruction, and for perpetuating ‘institutional impunity’ following a two-year investigation that drew on testimony from victims, community leaders, civil society groups, and public agencies.
In a statement on December 3, 2025, the British High Commission in Kenya noted the release of the committee’s report.
UK responds to report by Kenyan MPs exposing British Army atrocities in Kenya
The High Commission explained that it submitted a statement that substantively addressed the issues raised and outlined the actions taken to address the concerns, in the spirit of cooperation with the inquiry.
It added that the UK deeply regrets the challenges that have emerged concerning its defence presence in Kenya but expressed disappointment that its submission to the committee was not included in the report’s conclusions.
The UK further stated that, where new allegations appear in the findings, it is prepared to fully investigate those within its jurisdiction once evidence is provided.
“While we deeply regret the challenges which have arisen in relation to our defence presence in Kenya, we are disappointed our submission to the Committee was not incorporated into the report’s conclusions. Where new allegations have come to light in the Committee’s report, we stand ready to investigate those under our jurisdiction fully once evidence is provided.”
According to the British Commission, the UK places a high value on its defence relationship with Kenya, which it described as one that provides broad cooperation in training, education, and capability development to address shared security threats.
In its 94-page report, the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations accused British soldiers of long-standing sexual abuse, killings, human rights violations, and environmental damage linked to their training activities in Laikipia and Samburu counties.
The committee said BATUK personnel failed to fully cooperate with the inquiry, hindering efforts to address alleged misconduct. Communities reported killings, serious assaults, maimings, public fights, and fatal traffic incidents involving BATUK soldiers.
The report noted that BATUK was “increasingly seen as an occupying presence rather than a development partner, with affected residents drawing parallels to colonial injustices”.
Agnes Wanjiru’s murder
One of the most prominent cases examined was the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was found in a hotel septic tank in Nanyuki after she was last seen with British soldiers.
The committee said the “pursuit of justice has been slow and fraught with frustration”, citing claims of “undue interference and obstruction, allegedly by Batuk personnel”. A former British soldier accused in the case was arrested in the UK in October and faces extradition to Kenya, which he intends to contest.
Also Read: Ex-British Soldier Accused of Murdering Agnes Wanjiru in Nanyuki Speaks
Another incident highlighted was the “unlawful killing” of herder Tilam Leresh in 2012, allegedly by a BATUK sergeant. Although the UK has expressed regret, British prosecutors earlier concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone, but said they remain open to reviewing new evidence.
The report also identified “disturbing trends of sexual misconduct by Batuk personnel”, stating that survivors complained of mishandled or abandoned cases that left “many victims denied access to justice”.
It cited “compelling evidence” of widespread sexual violence, including a 1997 attack in Archer’s Post where “30 women were gang-raped at knifepoint”. The inquiry also documented abandoned “fatherless” children left behind by British soldiers.
Report highlights environmental concerns
Environmental concerns featured prominently, including claims that BATUK had never undertaken required environmental and social impact assessments. Residents reported respiratory illnesses, miscarriages and livestock deaths linked to toxic fumes or military waste. The committee also cited incidents involving unexploded ordnance, including the death of a ranger and severe injuries to a child.
The panel concluded that the current defence agreement between Kenya and the UK is “structurally flawed”, citing gaps in accountability, particularly that murder is not explicitly listed as an offence outside official duty.
It recommended revising the agreement to include a visiting forces code of conduct, strict rules against gender-based violence, environmental obligations, and civilian oversight, as well as mechanisms to address child support claims involving BATUK personnel.
Also Read: UK Responds After 7 Kenyans Win Case Proving British Soldiers Are Their Fathers
Recommendations
The committee concluded that the current defence cooperation agreement between Kenya and the UK is “structurally flawed” and that the legal framework contains major shortcomings.
It observed that “the offence of murder, despite its gravity, is not explicitly listed… as an offence deemed outside the course of official duty”, which it said creates a “significant obstacle to justice”. The oversight mechanism in place was also deemed largely ineffective.
In turn, the committee recommended amending the military cooperation agreement to include a visiting forces code of conduct, clear zero-tolerance rules for gender-based violence, stronger environmental obligations, and provisions for civilian oversight.
It also urged Kenya’s defence ministry to engage the UK government in establishing systems to hold BATUK personnel accountable for child support obligations.
For decades, BATUK troops have conducted training in central Kenya, but their presence has been met with longstanding controversy and repeated allegations of misconduct and human rights violations.
At the same time, more than 1,000 Kenyan soldiers receive British training annually, and thousands of UK troops travel to Kenya each year for exercises.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
