NAIROBI, Kenya- The Chief of the General Staff of the United Kingdom, Sir Roland Walker, has reaffirmed the British Army’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment during his visit to Kenya, signalling a renewed push for accountability within the UK-Kenya defence partnership.
Speaking during his March 16–18 tour, Sir Roland emphasised that all allegations involving British troops are treated with the utmost seriousness, particularly in light of past concerns surrounding the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).
The visit comes months after a UK service inquiry report published in August 2025 examined cases of misconduct, placing increased scrutiny on British military operations in Kenya.
Addressing troops and leadership, Sir Roland stressed the importance of upholding the highest professional standards and ensuring that British forces operating abroad maintain discipline and respect for local communities.
In Nairobi, he held talks with General Charles Kahariri, where the issue of accountability featured alongside broader discussions on strengthening defence ties.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to a partnership grounded in mutual respect, professionalism and shared values.
“Kenya is the UK’s defence partner of choice in East Africa — a relationship built on trust,” Sir Roland said, adding that maintaining that trust requires strict adherence to ethical conduct by all personnel.
“We have a responsibility to the community in and amongst whom we train” — Head of the British Army Sir Roly Walker 🇬🇧 wraps up his time in 🇰🇪 with a visit to BATUK and a message for the Kenyan communities who host us 🤝#GoFarGoTogether
He noted that the British Army is committed not only to operational excellence but also to ensuring its presence leaves a positive and lasting legacy in host communities.
The UK military chief also travelled to Nanyuki, where he addressed British troops participating in Exercise Haraka Storm.
While praising the joint training programmes between UK and Kenyan forces, he reiterated that misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The visit also sought to respond to concerns raised by the Kenyan Parliament’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, which has been reviewing the conduct and impact of BATUK operations in the country.
Despite the concerns, both Kenya and the UK maintain that their defence partnership remains vital for regional security, particularly in countering threats such as al-Shabaab.
Officials say reinforcing accountability and strengthening oversight will be key to sustaining public confidence while advancing military cooperation between the two nations.
Sir Roland said Kenya remains the UK’s “defence partner of choice in East Africa,” describing the relationship as one built on “trust, shared values, and deep mutual respect,” and noting that the British Army does not take its invitation by the Kenyan government lightly.
He added that “shoulder to shoulder,” Kenyan and British forces face real security threats, particularly from al-Shabaab, with joint training helping them “trial and adopt new technologies vital for success on today’s battlefield.”
He emphasised that the partnership delivers “genuine operational advantage” but also comes with a responsibility to “uphold the highest professional standards,” invest in local communities, and ensure a lasting positive legacy in Kenya.
“This partnership delivers genuine operational advantage, and it carries with it a clear responsibility: to uphold the highest professional standards, to invest in local communities through outreach and regeneration, and to ensure that our presence in Kenya leaves a lasting and positive legacy,” he said.
