Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has welcomed the resumption of joint military training exercises with the United Kingdom, describing the decision as a testament to the enduring defence partnership between the two countries after weeks of uncertainty.
In a statement Tuesday, Mudavadi said the planned military training exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) would now proceed, marking a positive outcome for bilateral relations.
"The government of Kenya welcomes the decision to proceed with the planned military training exercise at the British Army Training Unit Kenya," Mudavadi said.
The announcement comes days after the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee raised concerns over unresolved human rights allegations linked to BATUK operations and delayed consideration of a new Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement.
The committee had temporarily suspended approval of the agreement and called for greater accountability over issues including the murder of Agnes Wanjiru and other allegations involving British soldiers training in Kenya.
However, Mudavadi said the latest development demonstrated that both governments had managed to address the challenges through dialogue.
"This outcome reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom, built over decades on mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to peace and security," he said.
"It demonstrates that trusted partners can work through challenges in a spirit of goodwill and continue moving forward together."
The Kenya-UK defence partnership remains one of Nairobi's oldest military collaborations, with British troops conducting regular training exercises in Kenya under arrangements that also support joint capacity building for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
According to the government, the partnership extends beyond military cooperation and generates significant economic benefits for communities hosting the training exercises, particularly in Laikipia and neighbouring counties.
Mudavadi said the cooperation continues to advance Kenya's national interests by strengthening the operational capabilities of the KDF while contributing to regional peace and security.
"The Kenya–United Kingdom defence partnership continues to advance Kenya's national interests. It strengthens the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces, contributes to regional peace and security, supports Kenyan jobs and businesses, and provides significant economic benefits to the communities that host these activities," he said.
The resumption of the exercises is expected to ease tensions that had emerged following parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed defence agreement.
Last week, Defence Committee chairperson Nelson Koech said Parliament was not opposed to military cooperation with Britain but insisted that accountability over human rights concerns remained critical to sustaining public confidence in the partnership.
Among the issues cited by lawmakers were allegations of environmental degradation, rape, murder and the unresolved case of Agnes Wanjiru, whose body was found in Nanyuki in 2012 after she was reportedly last seen with a British soldier.
Despite those concerns, the government maintained that the two countries remain committed to resolving outstanding issues while preserving a strategic partnership that has existed for decades.
Mudavadi said Kenya values the close cooperation between the two nations and remains focused on strengthening ties that deliver mutual benefits.
"We value the close cooperation and shared commitment between Kenya and the United Kingdom that have enabled this positive outcome," he said.
"Our focus remains on strengthening a partnership that delivers lasting benefits for both nations and their people."
He added that Kenya would continue working closely with the UK to deepen defence cooperation and advance their shared commitment to peace, security and regional stability.
The statement by Mudavadi follows the announcement by UK that the Kenya has agreed to issue necessary licences.
"We can confirm that the Kenyan Government has agreed to issue the necessary licences and permissions for Exercise HARAKA STORM to take place in Kenya later this year," a UK government spokesperson said Tuesday.
The spokesperson noted that they value the close cooperation and shared commitment between the UK and Kenya which have enabled this progress
"As a result, and following detailed work by the Army, we believe that it is possible to deliver the training in Kenya over the same time period as previously planned. Exercise HARAKA STORM will now take place later this year," reads a statement.
"The UK remains committed to working closely with the Government of Kenya to further strengthen our deep and enduring military partnership, which continues to deliver for both the UK and Kenya and advances our shared aims and interests."
