The United Kingdom has agreed to compensate Kenyan communities affected by a massive fire that broke out in 2021 during a British army training exercise in central Kenya.
The fire started on March 26, 2021, in Lolldaiga Conservancy near Nanyuki when British soldiers were conducting a military drill. The blaze spread quickly, destroying thousands of acres of land, killing wildlife, and damaging the environment. Local residents also reported that the smoke caused health problems for nearby communities.
At the time, the incident sparked anger among Kenyans, who accused the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) of negligence and lack of accountability. Several lawsuits were filed in Kenyan courts by victims seeking justice and compensation for losses, including livestock deaths and destruction of grazing land.
The UK Ministry of Defence has now confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Kenyan authorities to provide compensation. However, the exact amount and details of how the funds will be distributed have not been disclosed yet.
This settlement comes after years of pressure from human rights groups and environmental activists demanding that the British government take responsibility for the damage caused. The compensation is expected to go toward restoring the environment, supporting affected communities, and covering medical costs for those who suffered health complications due to the smoke.
The British army has been training in Kenya for decades under a bilateral defense agreement, but this incident has raised fresh debate about the environmental and social impact of foreign military exercises in the country.
