NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — The British government has agreed to pay $4 million in compensation to more than 7,000 Kenyan residents after a wildfire sparked during a British Army training exercise swept through Laikipia County in 2021.
The fire broke out in March 2021 near Lolldaiga Hills Conservancy during joint drills with Kenyan forces. Large sections of the protected conservancy were destroyed, and unexploded ordnance left behind injured local residents. Communities later reported health problems linked to smoke and damage to the environment.
Anger grew after a British soldier appeared to admit responsibility in a social media post. That prompted a Royal Military Police investigation and fueled demands for justice from affected families.
Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, who represented the victims, confirmed Friday that compensation payments have been issued. He said the settlement was described as relief for “smoke nuisance” caused by the fire but noted that residents continue to face the longer-term effects.
The British High Commission in Nairobi called the fire “extremely regrettable” and acknowledged frustrations over the delay in compensation.
The British Army Training Unit Kenya, which maintains a permanent base in Nanyuki, has faced renewed scrutiny over the impact of foreign military training on local communities following the case.
