British Army training in Kenya cancelled as UK refused licenses by Kenyan government

The Kenyan government has forced the Ministry of Defence to cancel an upcoming major training deployment by refusing to issue the licenses needed for the Army to train in their country.

It means a major exercise involving the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (1 Lancs), which was due to being in September, has had to be cancelled at the last minute. 

Relations between the UK and Kenya have reportedly been under strain following reports of a 'growing public trust crisis' by communities impacted by British Army training, and the issue of immunity clauses written within the terms of a bilateral defence agreement, which would protect soldiers from Kenyan prosecution should they be accused of crimes in theatre.

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In a statement, HM Government said: "The UK highly values its relationship with Kenya, which is underpinned by mutual benefit, respect and cooperation. The UK-Kenya Defence Partnership is one of the great strengths of our relationship. Our joint training and operations with the Kenyan Defence Forces are keeping both Kenyan and British people safe.

"It is with regret that the necessary licences required to allow training to take place in Laikipia later this year have not been forthcoming. As a result, the planned training will now be conducted at an alternative location outside Kenya.

"We recognise the disappointment this decision will cause for those who would have benefited from the economic activity generated by the exercise. All UK training activity in Kenya is dependent on the permission from the Government of Kenya.

"We remain committed to our defence partnership with Kenya and the continued British Army Training Unit presence in the country. We will continue to engage closely with the Kenyan Government to support the resumption of training in-country at the earliest appropriate opportunity."

The Kenya High Commission in London has been approached for comment.

This is a breaking news story; more details will be added as they become available.