The Kenyan government has refuted claims that the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) partnership has ended, emphasizing that defence cooperation with the United Kingdom is ongoing.

In a statement released on July 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Director of Press Services Jacob Ng’etich, clarified that reports alleging the termination of the BATUK arrangement are unfounded.

This statement follows the cancellation of the Haraka Storm military exercise originally scheduled for September to November 2026 in Laikipia. The UK cited delays in obtaining necessary government licenses as the reason for moving the training exercise to an alternative location outside Kenya.

Despite the cancellation of this specific exercise, the Kenyan government stressed that it should not be seen as a sign of deteriorating defence relations between Nairobi and London.

Parliamentary Review of Defence Agreement

The Kenya-United Kingdom Defence Cooperation Agreement, which governs BATUK operations, is currently under review by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. The process has encountered challenges, particularly concerning jurisdictional issues over serious crimes such as murder.

"The Government therefore discounts claims suggesting that the defence partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom has been terminated or that the BATUK arrangement has come to an end," the statement affirmed.

Long-Standing Strategic Partnership

Kenya and the UK maintain a historic and mutually beneficial strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and strong people-to-people connections.

The UK’s official statement expressed regret over the inability to secure the necessary licenses for the Laikipia training but confirmed the exercise will proceed elsewhere.

  • Exercise Name: Haraka Storm
  • Original Location: Laikipia, Kenya
  • Rescheduled Location: Outside Kenya
  • Reason: Delayed government approvals

This development comes amid ongoing parliamentary discussions and highlights the complexities involved in bilateral defence cooperation.