Waziri Mayai Wa Maradhi
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 313
- 82
The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) has cancelled Exercise Haraka Storm, a major military training exercise scheduled to take place in Laikipia between September and November 2026, after the Kenyan government failed to issue the required licences.
The cancellation applies only to Ex Haraka Storm and does not affect BATUK's continued presence or other training activities in Kenya.
In a statement, the UK said the exercise will instead be conducted outside Kenya and expressed regret that the necessary approvals were not granted in time.
The decision is expected to affect communities and businesses in Laikipia that were anticipating economic benefits from the deployment of British troops.
BATUK, based near Laikipia Air Base, regularly undertakes exercises and supports community initiatives, including tree-planting programmes and mobile medical clinics serving remote areas.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the long-standing UK–Kenya defence partnership, describing it as a relationship founded on mutual respect and cooperation. It added that all British military training activities in Kenya are subject to approval by the Government of Kenya and expressed hope that training exercises will resume once the necessary permissions are granted.
The cancellation applies only to Ex Haraka Storm and does not affect BATUK's continued presence or other training activities in Kenya.
In a statement, the UK said the exercise will instead be conducted outside Kenya and expressed regret that the necessary approvals were not granted in time.
The decision is expected to affect communities and businesses in Laikipia that were anticipating economic benefits from the deployment of British troops.
BATUK, based near Laikipia Air Base, regularly undertakes exercises and supports community initiatives, including tree-planting programmes and mobile medical clinics serving remote areas.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the long-standing UK–Kenya defence partnership, describing it as a relationship founded on mutual respect and cooperation. It added that all British military training activities in Kenya are subject to approval by the Government of Kenya and expressed hope that training exercises will resume once the necessary permissions are granted.
