Laikipia MPs back BATUK renewal, demand justice and greater community benefits
By Wanjira Wachira, July 25, 2026Laikipia leaders have called for a renewed partnership between Kenya and the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), urging both the Kenyan and British governments to conclude negotiations on the delayed Defence Cooperation Agreement while ensuring justice, respect for Kenya’s sovereignty and greater benefits for host communities.
Speaking during an economic empowerment meeting in Laikipia North on Thursday, July 24, Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said residents support BATUK’s continued presence in the county, provided that the new agreement addresses longstanding concerns raised by communities that have hosted British military training for decades.
“Sisi tunataka BATUK kuendelea kuishi huku kwetu, tunataka waendelee kuajiri watu wetu na tunataka watu wetu wafaidike,” Kagiri said.
Their remarks come amid uncertainty over BATUK’s future following the relocation of the 2026 Exercise Haraka Storm outside Kenya after delays in renewing the Kenya–United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Agreement. The move has raised concerns among businesses in Nanyuki and neighbouring areas that depend on the economic activity generated by British military training.
Preserving jobs and local livelihoods
For decades, BATUK has been a key contributor to Laikipia’s economy, supporting hotels, transport operators, suppliers, restaurants and other businesses whenever British troops undertake training exercises.
Kagiri further said that many local families have benefited from BATUK’s presence through employment and business opportunities, urging the British military to sign the proposed agreement and continue operating in Kenya.
“Kwa hivyo mimi naomba BATUK, badala ya kunyanyuka, wakubali kusaini ile agreement wamepewa ili waweze kuendelea kuishi katika nchi yetu na kufanya kazi katika nchi ya Kenya,” she said.
She noted that agreeing would provide certainty for businesses and residents whose livelihoods are closely tied to BATUK’s activities.
Justice and accountability
While backing the continuation of military training, Korere said any renewed agreement must also address concerns that have persisted within the community, including accountability for crimes committed by foreign troops.
“Sisi kama wabunge wa Laikipia tulikaa chini tukasema ndiyo BATUK waendelee kutrain kwetu,” Korere said.
She added that the unresolved death of Agnes Wanjiru remains a significant issue for Laikipia.
Wanjiru, a 21-year-old mother, disappeared in Nanyuki in 2012 after she was reportedly last seen with British soldiers. Her body was later found in a septic tank at a local hotel, and the case continues to attract attention in both Kenya and the United Kingdom.
“Tukasema kama wabunge wa Laikipia, ndiyo BATUK waendelee kufanya training kwetu, wakiua wasichana wetu wapelekwe kortini hapa Kenya. Wale waliua Wanjiru waletwe hapa Kenya kuhukumiwa ili msichana wetu apate haki,” Korere added.
She also insisted that Kenya should not compromise its sovereignty during negotiations, declaring: “You cannot blackmail us.”
Balancing partnership and accountability
Although they emphasised different priorities, both leaders agreed that BATUK’s future in Laikipia should be guided by the interests of the communities that have lived alongside the military training unit for generations.
Kagiri stressed the need to preserve the economic opportunities created by BATUK through employment and local business, while Korere maintained that justice, accountability and respect for Kenya’s laws must form part of any renewed defence cooperation agreement.
As Kenya and the United Kingdom continue negotiations over a new defence framework, residents and business owners in Laikipia are hoping for an agreement that safeguards livelihoods, strengthens community relations and delivers justice while securing the future of one of the country’s longest-running defence partnerships.