Leaders from Laikipia County have called on the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) to sign the Kenya-United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Agreement on terms that protect Kenya’s sovereignty, ensure accountability and deliver greater benefits to host communities.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Woman Representative Jane Kagiri speaking during an economic empowerment forum in Naibor, said they support BATUK’s continued presence in Kenya but insisted the renewed agreement must prioritize national interests.
Korere cited the unresolved 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly involving a British soldier, saying suspects should face trial in Kenyan courts.
She accused BATUK of resisting provisions requiring British personnel accused of crimes in Kenya to be prosecuted locally, adding that Parliament would only approve an agreement that safeguards Kenya’s interests.
Kiunjuri urged BATUK to prioritize employment for local residents, accusing the unit of sourcing workers from outside Laikipia for jobs that could be filled by local youth.
The leaders also called for expanded corporate social responsibility programmes and greater investment in community development.
BATUK has previously faced criticism over alleged human rights abuses and environmental damage, including the 2021 Lolldaiga wildfire that destroyed more than 12,000 acres of land.
The renewed calls come amid heightened attention following the relocation of BATUK’s 2026 Haraka Storm military exercise to Tanzania, raising questions about the future of British military training operations in Kenya.
