Kenya and the United Kingdom have agreed to resume joint military training at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Nanyuki, ending days of uncertainty over the future of the long-standing defence partnership.
The announcement was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, who described the development as a reflection of the enduring relationship between the two countries.
“This outcome reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom, built over decades on mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to peace and security,” Mudavadi said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The decision follows reports that the United Kingdom had planned to hold the 2026 edition of Exercise Haraka Storm, a six-week joint military training programme involving British and Kenyan troops, outside Kenya after efforts to secure the necessary operational licences were unsuccessful.
However, following consultations between the two governments, the planned military exercise will now proceed at BATUK in Nanyuki. Mudavadi said the latest development demonstrates that the two countries are able to resolve challenges through dialogue while maintaining their strategic partnership.
“Trusted partners can work through challenges in a spirit of goodwill and continue moving forward together,” he said.
He noted that the Kenya-United Kingdom defence partnership continues to advance Kenya’s national interests by strengthening the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), contributing to regional peace and security, supporting Kenyan jobs and businesses, and generating significant economic benefits for communities hosting BATUK activities.
“Our focus remains on strengthening a partnership that delivers lasting benefits for both our nations and our people,” Mudavadi said.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with the United Kingdom and advancing shared efforts to promote peace, security and regional stability.
The resumption of the military exercises is expected to reassure local communities, businesses and other stakeholders who benefit from BATUK’s operations, while reinforcing the strategic defence partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
