Residents of Laikipia County have presented a list of demands as Kenya and the United Kingdom prepare to renegotiate the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), the legal framework governing the presence of British troops in Kenya.
At a meeting held in Nanyuki on June 20, families and individuals who say they have been affected by the operations of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) called for any new agreement to address concerns over justice, compensation and accountability.
The gathering brought together community members, human rights advocates, lawyers and local leaders.
Participants said the expiry of the previous five-year agreement had created an opportunity to push for reforms before a new pact is signed.
The DCA was first signed in 2015 and replaced by a new agreement in July 2021. It provides the legal framework for UK military training activities in Kenya.
Under the current arrangement, the United Kingdom retains primary jurisdiction over offences committed by its personnel while on official duty.
A key issue raised at the meeting was the unresolved death of Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old Kenyan woman whose killing has drawn attention in both Kenya and the UK. Her family continues to seek justice more than a decade after her death.
Speaking at the meeting, her niece Esther Njoki said the family had endured years of pain and uncertainty as they pursued accountability.
Representatives from the Lolldaiga community also raised concerns about the environmental impact of military exercises.
They cited alleged damage to water sources and grazing land. Other participants included women and children who claimed they were abandoned by British soldiers and left without support.
Human rights activists Bob Njagi and Njeri Migwi, lawyer Kevin Kubai, economist Boniface Mirikwa and Communist Party Marxist–Kenya General Secretary Booker Omole were among those who attended the meeting.
They argued that victims face significant challenges in seeking legal redress under the current framework.
Participants also announced plans to establish a memorial for people they say have been affected by the British military presence in Kenya.
They said the monument would serve as a reminder of their experiences and their calls for justice.
In addition, the group said it plans to submit a petition to Parliament, relevant state agencies, BATUK and the UK Ministry of Defence.
The petition seeks reforms to both BATUK operations and the Defence Cooperation Agreement. They said they intend to collect thousands of signatures before presenting it to lawmakers.
The meeting also announced the launch of a digital platform designed to connect affected individuals with legal experts. The platform would help victims access legal advice on compensation claims and court processes.
The proposed agreement is expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny. Participants urged lawmakers to ensure that any new framework includes stronger accountability measures and mechanisms for addressing complaints raised by local communities.
In November 2025, Parliament's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations recommended several amendments to the DCA. These included proposals for a clearer code of conduct for foreign troops, stronger environmental safeguards and enhanced civilian oversight.
The committee also recommended changes that would allow Kenyan courts to exercise greater jurisdiction over certain crimes committed by foreign military personnel on Kenyan soil.
As discussions between Nairobi and London continue, affected communities are calling for their concerns to be addressed before a new agreement is finalised.
The UK government has acknowledged concerns raised about BATUK's operations in Kenya and has said it is committed to cooperating with Kenyan authorities.
In statements issued by the UK Ministry of Defence, British officials have expressed regret over issues linked to the military presence in Kenya and pledged to investigate credible allegations where evidence is provided.
The ministry has also stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse and other forms of misconduct.
The UK government has further said it remains committed to supporting investigations into the death of Agnes Wanjiru.
In 2025, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met members of her family and reiterated Britain's support for efforts to secure justice in the case. The UK Ministry of Defence has said it will continue cooperating with Kenyan investigative authorities.
