UK army chief in Kenya on Al-Shabaab threat as BATUK concerns resurface

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NAIROBI, March 19 — The United Kingdom’s Chief of the General Staff, Sir Roland Walker, popularly known as Sir ‘Roly’ Walker, has visited Kenya to strengthen defence ties, with a focus on counter-terrorism and renewed scrutiny over the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).

Sir Roland visited Kenya from March 16 to 18, where he held talks with Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, on expanding military cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to deepen collaboration in counter-terrorism, particularly in tackling the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, and to support the ongoing modernisation of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

They also committed to sharing best practices in leadership development at both junior and senior levels.

“Kenya is the UK’s defence partner of choice in East Africa — a relationship built on trust, shared values, and deep mutual respect,” Sir Roland said.

“Shoulder to shoulder, the Kenyan and British Armed Forces face real security challenges, especially the threat from Al-Shabaab.”

On his part, General Kahariri reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting the importance of joint training and capacity building in strengthening operational readiness and regional security.

The visit is part of ongoing cooperation, including joint military training in Kenya, the establishment of the Counter-Insurgency, Counter-Terrorism and Stabilisation Operations Training Centre (CITSO), and continued development of the Kenyan Marines.

Sir Roland also travelled to Nanyuki, Laikipia County, where he met British troops participating in Exercise Haraka Storm at BATUK, a facility that provides training for both British and Kenyan forces.

His visit comes amid concerns previously raised by Parliament’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee regarding BATUK operations.

Addressing the issue, Sir Roland reiterated the British Army’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

He referred to findings from a Service Inquiry report published in August 2025 on sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, stressing that all allegations are taken seriously and that personnel must uphold the highest standards.

“This partnership delivers genuine operational advantage,” he said, adding that it also carries responsibility to support local communities and ensure a positive and lasting impact.

Kenya remains the UK’s primary defence partner in East Africa, with both countries maintaining close military cooperation aimed at strengthening regional security.