British Army Pledges Crackdown on Sex Exploitation in Kenya
In a strong statement, UK’s Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, condemned the behaviour of some troops at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki.
“There is absolutely no place for sexual exploitation and abuse by people in the British Army,” Walker said.
“It is at complete odds with what it means to be a British soldier.”
Report Uncovers Persistent Abuse
The Service Inquiry report, commissioned in October 2024, examined troop conduct from July 2022 onward. It revealed that despite a 2022 policy banning sexual exploitation abroad, some soldiers continued engaging in transactional sex with Kenyan women.
“Transactional sex is still happening in Kenya at a low to moderate level. It should not be happening at all,” Walker admitted.
The report noted this conduct undermines trust and damages relations with local communities.
Disciplinary and Training Reforms Announced
Walker pledged to fully enforce the report’s recommendations. Soldiers found guilty of transactional sex will face immediate dismissal.
The reforms also include targeted training programs to remind all personnel of their duty to prevent exploitation.
“The report sets out areas where we’ve already taken action to make Kenyan women safer,” Walker said.
Long-Standing Controversy at BATUK
The findings follow a 2024 exposé revealing British soldiers paying local women for “services.”
The Nanyuki base has faced scrutiny for over a decade. The most notorious case remains the unresolved death of Kenyan woman Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly killed by a British soldier.
Kenyan lawmakers have also raised concerns over civilian injuries, abandoned children fathered by soldiers, and other abuses linked to the base.
Community Divided, Army Unmoved
Despite the controversies, most Nanyuki residents reportedly still support BATUK’s presence, citing economic benefits.
Army’s Commitment to Change
Walker reaffirmed the army’s determination to end such misconduct.
“We will continue to listen, step up, and take action when we need to—including working with the other Services to learn lessons and share best practice across Defence,” he said.
For now, Kenyan women and their communities wait to see if these promises will finally lead to lasting change
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