UK committed to addressing alleged atrocities by BATUK, High Commissioner Baugh says

Speaking in Nanyuki during the commissioning of a dining hall constructed for Temakis Comprehensive School by the British Army, Baugh affirmed the UK government’s commitment to cooperating with Kenyan authorities in addressing ongoing concerns over alleged human rights violations and environmental damage linked to the troops.

"Some have lost their lives, the environment has been damaged, and the standards have not been as high as we would have wanted them to be historically. We, therefore, take every event, every action seriously. We investigate every event.  It is our obligation, our commitment to this community, to ensure that we investigate, review, but also that we redress and provide the support that this community needs and demands from us," said the British Ambassador. 

He emphasised that London remains committed to working closely with Nairobi to ensure accountability and transparency in handling the cases.

"That relationship is one that we take incredibly seriously, and you have both my commitment and that of the Chief of General Staff, the head of the British Army. You've had his commitment that we will continue to abide by that obligation to this community with whom and in whom we are lucky to live and work," he added.

His remarks come amid growing backlash against the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) from communities in Laikipia and Samburu counties, who have raised concerns over reported loss of life and environmental destruction.

The dining hall is part of several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by BATUK in communities surrounding its training base in Nanyuki.