Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu (right) with British High Commissioner Matt Baugh in Nanyuki on Tuesday during his first tour in the region. (Photo/KNA)British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh has said the UK government is committed to investigating allegations of abuse and environmental damage linked to the activities of British soldiers in Kenya.
Speaking in Nanyuki during the commissioning of a dining hall built for Temakis Comprehensive School by the British Army on Tuesday, Matt said the UK would continue cooperating with Kenyan authorities in addressing allegations of human rights abuses, deaths and environmental damage associated with British military activities.
"We take the allegations and events incredibly seriously. We are the first to acknowledge that people have been abused, some have lost their lives, the environment has been damaged and the standards have not been as high as we would have wanted historically," the High Commissioner said.
He said the UK remained committed to working with Kenya as investigations continue.
"We take every event, every action seriously and we are investigating. It is our obligation and commitment to these communities to ensure that we investigate, review, redress and offer support the community needs," Matt said, adding that the British government was keen on fostering good relationships with communities where British soldiers conduct training.
His remarks come amid longstanding concerns and allegations raised by some communities in Laikipia and Samburu counties over deaths, environmental damage and other incidents they have linked to the activities of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).
BATUK commissioned the dining hall as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in communities neighbouring its training facilities in Nanyuki.
"It's these communities that are of significant importance and we take that responsibility to be a close and active member of these communities as well as good neighbours profoundly seriously," the High Commissioner said.
Matt also described Kenya as the United Kingdom's closest security and defence partner in Africa, saying BATUK remained a strategic asset for both countries.
He added that his meeting with Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and county officials focused on identifying priority areas for community support within the county.
