NAIROBI, Kenya- Joint military training between the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will proceed later this year after the Kenyan government agreed to issue the licences required for the exercises, ending days of uncertainty over the future of the long-running defence partnership.
The British High Commission said the breakthrough followed engagements between Nairobi and London after a planned exercise in Laikipia was initially cancelled because the necessary approvals had not been granted.
“The UK highly values its relationship with Kenya, which is underpinned by mutual benefit, respect and cooperation. The UK-Kenya Defence Partnership is one of the great strengths of our relationship,” the British High Commission said.
It added that the joint BATUK-KDF drills are now expected to take place later this year following the issuance of the required licences.
The announcement marks a reversal from last week’s position when the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that Exercise Haraka Storm would be relocated outside Kenya after Kenyan authorities failed to approve the permits in time. Tanzania had been identified as the alternative training location.
“We can confirm that the Kenyan Government has agreed to issue the necessary licences and permissions for Exercise HARAKA STORM to take place in Kenya later this year,” the spokesperson said.
“We value the close cooperation and shared commitment between the UK and Kenya which have enabled this progress.”
The licensing dispute emerged amid wider negotiations over the renewal of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement, with Kenyan lawmakers demanding stronger accountability measures for British troops operating in the country, including greater jurisdiction over serious criminal offences allegedly committed by military personnel.
The debate has also been shaped by longstanding concerns surrounding the activities of BATUK, including the 2012 killing of Agnes Wanjiru near Nanyuki and recommendations by Parliament seeking stronger oversight of British military operations in Kenya.
Despite the disagreements, both governments have consistently maintained that the UK-Kenya defence partnership remains strategically important.
BATUK has operated in Kenya since independence and regularly conducts joint exercises with the KDF, while also contributing to local economies around Nanyuki and Laikipia through employment, procurement and community projects.
“As a result, and following detailed work by the Army, we believe that it is possible to deliver the training in Kenya over the same time period as previously planned. Exercise HARAKA STORM will now take place later this year,” the spokesperson added.
The resumption of the planned exercises is expected to reassure local businesses and communities that benefit economically from BATUK’s presence while allowing both militaries to continue joint training aimed at enhancing operational readiness and regional security.
BATUK has maintained a presence in Kenya for decades, with British troops regularly conducting training exercises alongside the KDF, particularly in Laikipia County and neighbouring regions.