Defence Committee meets Lands PS and FIDA on inquiry into the activities of BATUK

Defence Committee meets Lands PS and FIDA on inquiry into the activities of BATUK

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚l𝐥
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations led by Hon. Bashir Abdullahi has met with the Ministry of Lands and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) as part of an inquiry into activities of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya. 

Committee Members sought details on the legal status and land ownership and usage rights related to areas occupied or used by BATUK for military training and land use agreements between BATUK and the local communities or the government, and respond to allegations by some communities that they have not been adequately compensated for the use of their land for military training.

“We note that there are private engagements between BATUK and private ranchers,” said Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir. “Regarding the actual acquisition of land, we only have documents pertaining to the original acquisition of land where the base is located the National Land Commission should provide further details on community land and other lands leased as it is their mandate.”

The Committee directed the Ministry of Lands to furnish details on BATUK’s land agreements with private ranches and local communities, with lawmakers' noting with concern that some communities had not been adequately compensated for land used for military training.

PS Korir acknowledged that while the Ministry had records of leaseholds, some land used by BATUK—particularly community land—was not registered with the Ministry of Lands. The PS suggested that the Ministry of Defence would be best placed to provide details.

On environmental concerns, PS Korir cited Article 8 of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which requires visiting forces to “preserve and protect environments where training takes place.” However, MPs questioned whether these provisions were being enforced.

Representatives from the FIDA, who also appeared before the Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by survivors of alleged abuses involving BATUK soldiers.

“Most survivors speak of the victimization and stigma they endure when reporting these cases,” a FIDA representative told the Committee.

Speaking on legislation, Hon. Yusuf Hassan stated, “There is already legislation in place, but the challenge is implementation,” Hon. Yusuf Hassan added, “We need a comprehensive analysis of the legal, economic, and social impact of Kenya’s relationship with BATUK.”

FIDA proposed a review of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to ensure that Kenya is an “equal partner” in engagements with the British government.

The Members of the Committee instructed the FIDA to provide further details on the documentation of previous cases on the activities of BATUK.