A long wait for justice comes to an end in Kenya. The UK government has agreed to pay £2.9 million, or $4 million, in compensation to over 7,000 residents in Laikipia, after a wildfire sparked by a British military exercise devastated the region in 2021.
UK compensates Kenyans effected in 2021 military fire
Members of Britain's 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service stand for a group photograph.
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The blaze erupted near Lolldaiga Hills during joint drills with Kenyan forces, destroying parts of a protected conservancy and leaving behind explosive material that injured locals. The affected communities sued, citing health problems and environmental damage.
Outrage grew after a British soldier appeared to admit responsibility in a social media post, prompting a formal investigation by the Royal Military Police. A Lawyer representing the victims, confirmed that payments have now been dispatched, describing the compensation as relief for "smoke nuisance" caused by the fire.
In a statement on Friday, the British High Commission in Nairobi called the fire "extremely regrettable" and acknowledged the anger caused by the delay in resolution. The British Army maintains a permanent base in Nanyuki, and the case has reignited scrutiny over the impact of foreign military training on local communities.