Leaders from Laikipia County have called for the unconditional renewal of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement, urging the British government to sign the deal without imposing additional conditions to guarantee the continued presence of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in the region.

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Speaking during a public empowerment forum in Laikipia on Saturday, July 25, Members of Parliament from the county said the agreement should be signed immediately, arguing that its renewal would deliver greater economic and social benefits to communities living around BATUK training areas.

According to the leaders, the renewed agreement would create more employment opportunities for local residents, expand corporate social responsibility programmes, and strengthen engagement between BATUK and host communities.

Led by Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, the legislators maintained that BATUK's continued presence should translate into tangible economic gains for residents.

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"I want to tell BATUK this. We as leaders from Laikipia agreed that for BATUK to continue their operations in the area, they should employ our people from this region rather than employing foreigners," Kagiri said.

The leaders also dismissed claims that residents and local leaders were opposed to BATUK's presence, insisting that the delay lies with the UK government, which they accused of failing to sign a revised agreement that prioritises the interests of local communities.

In addition to increased employment opportunities, the leaders said the agreement should ensure that British soldiers accused of committing offences in Kenya, including crimes against humanity, are prosecuted in Kenyan courts.

They further insisted that the UK government should sign the agreement in the form approved by Parliament, without introducing fresh conditions or threatening to withdraw BATUK operations from the country.

"If you want to sign the agreement, you have to sign it the way it is. You cannot give conditions in other people's land," Kiunjuri said.

The leaders' demands come just days after reports emerged that a planned British military training exercise in Laikipia was cancelled following delays in securing the required government licences.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke