Laikipia Residents Win Landmark Sh505 Million Payout Over UK Military Fire

Residents of Laikipia County, Kenya, are set to receive a total of Sh505 million in compensation from the UK government, following a destructive wildfire caused by British military exercises in March 2021.

The fire broke out during training by the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) at the Lolldaiga Conservancy. The blaze caused extensive environmental damage, destroyed livestock, and left thousands of local residents with ongoing health issues. Over 7,700 people lodged claims, citing property damage, respiratory illnesses, and harm to the local ecosystem. 

The compensation agreement was finalised by the Inter-Government Liaison Committee (IGLC), which includes officials from both the Kenyan and UK governments. The legal case was filed at the Environment and Land Court in Nanyuki by the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA). Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, who represented the claimants, describes the outcome as a "landmark" ruling. 

He highlights its significance in recognising smoke pollution as a form of harm eligible for compensation, a principle rarely acknowledged in global legal systems. Compensation amounts will range from Sh22,500 to Sh2.5 million per claimant, offering financial relief to families who have suffered greatly. One resident, Nahashon Kana, says he lost several livestock and reported that one of his dairy cows went blind due to the toxic fumes — an experience echoed by many others in the region.

The UK’s military presence in Kenya is governed by a renewable five-year Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which allows British troops access to training areas across Laikipia, Isiolo, and Samburu. While the agreement is intended to support joint security efforts, Batuk has faced repeated allegations over the years, including accusations of murder, sexual abuse, and child abandonment. The unresolved 2012 killing of Agnes Wanjiru, reportedly involving British soldiers, continues to strain diplomatic relations.

Recently, Batuk’s decision to ignore a summons from Kenya’s National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs added to tensions. The committee is investigating a range of abuse allegations, and Chairperson Nelson Koech had warned that continued non-cooperation could affect the renewal of the DCA. The British High Commission responded by reaffirming the UK's commitment to the inquiry and described the defence partnership as a vital part of bilateral relations.