Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement paving the way for the continuation of British Army training exercises in the country under the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) programme.

The agreement comes after weeks of uncertainty following the temporary suspension of British military exercises in Kenya, with the UK government now set to resume training activities.

According to a statement from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s office, Kenya welcomed the decision by the UK to continue its military exercises, saying the cooperation serves national interests, strengthens the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), enhances regional security, and supports economic growth through trade and job creation.

The UK Embassy in Kenya said government had provided the necessary assurances, including issuing licences and approvals to facilitate the return of British troops.

The first contingent under Operation Haraka Storm is expected to arrive in the country later this year.

Parliament defence committee

However, Parliament’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has insisted that accountability must be central to the agreement, demanding that British soldiers who violate Kenyan laws face consequences.

Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech said the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries must be signed before British troops can operate in Kenya.

“Unless the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom is signed, there is no way that the British Army can operate in Kenya,” Koech said.

The committee has maintained that the agreement must include provisions requiring foreign military personnel to be held accountable for any offences committed while in the country.

Koech also dismissed claims by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that the committee had demanded bribes to facilitate the renewal of the BATUK arrangement.

“I don’t think Honorable Gachagua actually was accusing my committee. He is actually trying, he is laying a bait on the British,” Koech said, adding that he had information that brokers were seeking to benefit from the situation.

BATUK has for years facilitated joint training between the Kenya Defence Forces and the British Army, with exercises mainly conducted in Laikipia County.

The renewed agreement is expected to strengthen defence ties between Kenya and the UK while addressing concerns over legal accountability during military operations.