Laikipia Senator backs BATUK, calls for renewal of agreement
By Wanjira Wachira, July 27, 2026Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has called on the national government to expedite the renewal of the agreement governing the operations of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), saying its continued presence is vital to jobs and economic activity in Laikipia County.
His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the future of the Kenya-United Kingdom defence partnership, with discussions focusing on the renewal of the agreement that allows British troops to train in Kenya. The debate has also drawn attention to concerns raised over BATUK’s operations, including the conduct of military training and accountability whenever complaints arise.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Nturukuma Church in Nanyuki Town on Sunday, July 27, 2026, Kinyua said discussions surrounding BATUK should take into account the livelihoods of residents who depend on the military unit’s presence.
“The British Army has been doing a good job here in Laikipia, especially in improving the economy of this republic and particularly Laikipia County,” Kinyua said.
He argued that BATUK has become an important economic partner in Laikipia, saying its activities have created employment opportunities while supporting businesses that provide goods and services to the military unit.
According to the senator, the impact of BATUK extends beyond those employed directly by the British Army, with traders, transport operators, accommodation providers and suppliers also benefiting from its operations.
Kinyua said business activity in parts of Laikipia often slows when fewer British troops are in the area for training, an indication, he said, of the role BATUK plays in the local economy.
Appeal to renew the agreement
The senator appealed to the national government and officials involved in negotiations to conclude the renewal of the agreement, saying this would provide certainty for workers and businesses whose livelihoods are linked to BATUK.
“I want to ask the government to please sign that document so that the British Army can continue staying in Laikipia County and we continue getting the benefits we receive from them,” he said.
Kinyua said while questions have been raised over areas used for military training, those concerns should not overshadow the economic contribution he believes BATUK has made to the county.
“The contentious issue now is where they are supposed to train. That should be secondary. What should concern us most is the people who are employed here,” he said.
He added that local leaders would continue engaging the military unit to encourage the purchase of food and other supplies from farmers and traders within Laikipia County.
Kinyua also called for expanded community investment by BATUK, saying residents would like to see more support for infrastructure and social projects in areas where military training takes place.
“We want them to build better roads and schools because that is part of corporate social responsibility. We are not going to relent on that,” he said.
Kenyan law should apply
While expressing support for the renewal of the agreement, Kinyua said any person accused of breaking the law while in Kenya should be dealt with under the country’s legal system, regardless of nationality.
“If someone commits an offence while in the Republic of Kenya, then the laws of Kenya should apply because they are here in Kenya,” he said.
He said the existence of legal disputes should not be used to halt engagement between Kenya and the British Army, maintaining that the country’s justice system is capable of handling any alleged offences committed within its jurisdiction.
“It does not matter who has broken the law. If someone commits an offence in Kenya, the law should take its course,” he said.
The senator maintained that Laikipia leaders remain committed to engaging the national government on the future of BATUK, saying they want the renewal process to safeguard employment opportunities while ensuring concerns raised by local communities continue to be addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.