The cancelled military training programme slated for September in Laikipia will proceed as scheduled, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed.
The training at the British Army Training Unit of Kenya (BATUK) facility in Laikipia had been cancelled on Thursday, July 23, after Kenya and the UK failed to reach agreement on the conditions for renewing the licenses.
“The Government of Kenya welcomes the decision for the planned military training exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya to proceed,” Mudavadi said in a statement. He added, “This outcome reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom, built over decades on mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to peace and security.”
Exercise HARAKA STORM to run September through November
The exercise, known as Exercise HARAKA STORM, a six-week combat training programme, will now proceed as planned from September to November.
Earlier preparations helped keep the training on course despite the disruptions Kenya and the UK faced the previous week.
“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 UK government said.
Mudavadi cites deepening defense cooperation
Musalia Mudavadi also reiterated that the decision aims to deliver durable benefits for both countries. He said, “As we look ahead, Kenya remains committed to working closely with the United Kingdom to deepen our longstanding defence cooperation and advance our shared commitment to peace, security and regional stability.”
Despite the human rights violations associated with BATUK, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the decision aims to protect the country’s national interests. The ministry adds that the training will strengthen the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) capabilities, enhance regional security, and create jobs, particularly for communities in Laikipia County.
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