Britain's defence ministry confirmed on Thursday that it has scrapped planned military exercises in Kenya after struggling to secure the required permit from Nairobi's authorities. The country maintains a permanent training facility for the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Laikipia, situated roughly 200 kilometres north of the capital.
Kenya gained independence from Britain six decades ago, yet the two nations have preserved robust defence ties. Their bilateral agreement permits thousands of British troops to conduct annual training operations across Kenyan territory.
"It is with regret that the necessary licences required to allow training to take place in Laikipia later this year have not been forthcoming," the British defence ministry stated in a written statement. The exercises will now occur in an undisclosed location elsewhere, the ministry added.
Britain gave no explanation for the permit rejection, and Kenya's government declined to comment when contacted. The ministry stressed that the decision won't damage the broader defence relationship between the two allies.
The Laikipia base has drawn sustained criticism over the years following several high-profile criminal cases involving British soldiers, including allegations of murder and sexual assault. These incidents sparked local anger and raised questions about the military arrangement's continuation.
