"Our concern": BATUK faces new pressure as parliament reviews victims' petition

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Parliament has received a petition seeking reforms to BATUK and withdrawal of British troops from Kenya

- Defence Committee chair Nelson Koech said victims' concerns will be considered through parliamentary procedures

- The committee said Kenya's sovereignty, laws, communities and environment must be protected

Victims of alleged misconduct by British soldiers, residents and human rights advocates have petitioned parliament for reforms to the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), putting fresh scrutiny on the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).

The petition, titled “BATUK reform and the withdrawal of the British army”, comes amid longstanding allegations involving human rights abuses, environmental damage, misconduct and legal accountability.

National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech confirmed that Parliament had received and recorded the petition.

“Parliament received and recorded the petition. The office of the Speaker will formally submit the petition to the committee, which will review it and, at an appropriate time, may invite the petitioners to engage,” Koech said during an interview.

What does the petition mean for DCA?

The Belgut lawmaker said the petition should not automatically be interpreted as a call to terminate Kenya's defence relationship with Britain.

“The committee has never taken the position that Kenya should automatically terminate defence cooperation with the UK. Our concern has consistently been that any defence cooperation must protect Kenya's sovereignty, respect Kenyan law, safeguard communities and the environment, and provide effective accountability mechanisms when violations occur,” he said.

He said petitioners' concerns align with reservations previously raised by the committee, particularly on jurisdiction, accountability, environmental protection and the welfare of communities around BATUK training areas.

“The committee will consider the victims' petition on its merits. Parliament cannot prejudge the outcome. But it is fair to say that the concerns raised by the petitioners align with some of the reservations the committee has previously expressed regarding the agreement.”

The debate intensified after a dispute over training licences and criminal jurisdiction prompted the UK Ministry of Defence to cancel planned BATUK exercises, including Exercise Haraka Storm, before Kenya granted the required approvals five days later.

What has parliament demanded?

Koech said the committee will hear from affected communities, examine allegations and engage the Ministry of Defence and other agencies.

“The committee's approach will be guided by evidence. Where genuine grievances involve criminal conduct, compensation, environmental damage, or other violations, those issues must be addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms,” he said.

The committee has previously called for Kenyan courts to exercise jurisdiction over serious offences committed by foreign troops, citing the Agnes Wanjiru case and other allegations involving British soldiers.

Koech also raised concerns over unexploded ordnance, damage to land and water sources, wildlife, livestock and surrounding communities.

“We have raised concerns about unexploded ordnance, damage to land and water sources, and the impact of military exercises on ecosystems. Training areas must be clearly designated, and environmental safeguards must be enforceable,” he said.

He stressed that parliament does not negotiate treaties but scrutinises agreements and makes recommendations to the National Assembly.

“That distinction matters because misinformation has suggested that the committee is negotiating the DCA with the British government. That is not the case,” Koech said.

He maintained that defence cooperation with Britain remains strategically important, but must respect Kenyan law and citizens' rights.

“All we are pushing for is a modernised defence partnership in which both countries benefit, but where Kenya's sovereignty, citizens, environment and legal system are fully respected,” he stated.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.