Kenya, UK strike deal to resume military exercises
Kenya and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement allowing joint military training to continue, easing a dispute that had threatened the presence of British Forces in Laikipia.
The resolution follows bilateral talks after the UK Ministry of Defence delayed its annual training exercise in Kenya, known as Exercise Haraka Storm.
The UK said the delay was linked to the lack of necessary operational licences and permissions from the Kenyan government. The issue emerged amid concerns from Kenyan lawmakers over possible amendments to the long-standing Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).
At the centre of the debate are questions about accountability and the protection of communities living near military training areas in Laikipia and Samburu counties.
Calls for changes to the agreement have been strengthened by concerns surrounding the case of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman whose death in 2012 near a British military base in Nanyuki has remained a major issue for human rights groups and local leaders demanding greater accountability.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that Kenya would issue the required operational licences, saying the defence partnership remains important for national security and regional stability.
“The Kenya-United Kingdom defence partnership continues to advance Kenya’s national interest. It strengthens the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces, contributes to regional peace and security, supports Kenyan jobs and businesses, and provides significant economic benefits to the communities that host these activities,” he said.
The UK government welcomed the decision and confirmed that Exercise Haraka Storm would proceed later this year.
“We can confirm that the Kenyan government has agreed to issue the necessary licences and permissions for Exercise Haraka Storm to take place in Kenya later this year. We value the close cooperation and shared commitment between the UK and Kenya which have enabled this progress,” a UK spokesperson said.
Although the immediate training arrangements have been resolved, Kenya’s Parliament continues to review aspects of the defence agreement.
Lawmakers have argued that future cooperation should include stronger protections for host communities and ensure compliance with Kenyan laws.
Some MPs are seeking amendments to provisions on jurisdiction, including calls for British personnel accused of serious offences in Kenya to face legal proceedings within Kenyan courts rather than automatically being handled in the United Kingdom.
– By Daisy Achieng
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