Laikipia leaders have challenged the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) to sign the proposed Kenya-United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Agreement without conditions.
They said the military partnership can only continue if British troops operate within Kenyan laws and the agreement delivers greater benefits to communities hosting the military training unit.
The remarks were made during an economic empowerment forum in Naibor attended by Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who dismissed claims that local leaders were opposed to Batuk’s continued presence in the county.
"They cannot blackmail us. If a Kenyan commits a crime in Britain, they are prosecuted there. British soldiers who commit crimes in Kenya should equally face justice in Kenyan courts. They must respect Kenya's sovereignty and the rights of Laikipia residents," Korere said.
She said leaders from Laikipia support the continued presence of Batuk but insisted that the partnership should be based on mutual respect, accountability and benefits for local communities.
Korere said Parliament would not support any agreement that undermines Kenya's sovereignty or prevents foreign soldiers accused of committing crimes within Kenya from facing legal processes.
"We agreed that Batuk should continue operating here, but they must employ our young people instead of bringing workers from outside the county. They must sign the agreement and respect our laws," she said.
Korere also linked the negotiations to the unresolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru, saying justice for victims should remain central to discussions around the partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
Kiunjuri echoed similar sentiments, saying reports that the proposed agreement had stalled over conditions demanded by Kenya should not be viewed as a political dispute but as a matter of justice, national dignity and economic fairness.
"The relationship between Kenya and our international partners must always be grounded in mutual respect. If a crime is committed on Kenyan soil, justice must be delivered in a Kenyan courtroom under Kenyan jurisdiction. These are not excessive or unfair demands," Kiunjuri said.
He said communities hosting the military training unit deserve more than temporary economic activities, arguing that local businesses should receive priority in supplying goods and services required during military exercises.
Kiunjuri said Batuk’s continued presence should translate into employment opportunities for local youth and expanded business opportunities for traders in Laikipia.
He said companies from outside the county should not continue benefiting at the expense of residents living alongside the training areas.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri also supported renewal of the defence partnership, saying Batuk has contributed to the local economy through employment and business opportunities.
"We want Batuk to continue operating from here because it creates employment for our people. We are only asking them to sign the agreement so they can continue working in the country," Kagiri said.
Their remarks come amid uncertainty over Batuk’s future after the British Army relocated its 2026 Exercise Haraka Storm to Tanzania, leading to speculation over the military training unit’s operations in Kenya.
The relocation followed delays in concluding a new Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, which is expected to replace the existing framework governing British military activities in the country.
Among the issues under discussion are provisions relating to the handling of criminal cases involving British personnel in Kenya, environmental safeguards, compensation for communities affected by military exercises and increased benefits for counties hosting Batuk.
The proposed agreement has also renewed public debate over the unresolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was found in Nanyuki in 2012 after she was last seen with British soldiers.
The case has remained a source of tension between the two countries, with Kenyan leaders and human rights groups calling for justice for her family.
For decades, Batuk has maintained a permanent presence in Kenya, with its headquarters in Nanyuki and training areas spread across Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo counties.
Thousands of British soldiers rotate through Kenya annually for specialised exercises, using the country’s terrain and climate to prepare for deployment in different operational environments.
The training unit has supported sections of the local economy through procurement of goods and services, employment opportunities and community projects in education, health, water and environmental conservation.
However, Batuk has also faced criticism over allegations of environmental damage linked to military exercises, unresolved compensation claims by affected residents and allegations of misconduct involving some British soldiers.
Despite speculation over Batuk’s future, the Kenyan government has maintained that the defence partnership remains intact.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently said the proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement is before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations for consideration before ratification in line with the Constitution.
