UK Agrees to $4 Million Compensation for Kenyan Residents Affected by Military Exercise Fire

Edited By: Safae Fathi

The United Kingdom has agreed to pay £2.9 million ($4 million) in compensation to residents near a wildlife conservancy in Kenya, following a fire that erupted during a British military exercise in 2021. The blaze, which occurred in the Lolldaiga area near Nanyuki in the northern Laikipia region, caused significant damage to the nature reserve and affected local communities. Over 7,000 residents received payments for the smoke and disruption caused by the fire, according to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Kelvin Kubai.

The incident drew attention after residents accused a British army training unit of starting the wildfire, which left behind unexploded ordnance that injured some locals. A British soldier later appeared to acknowledge responsibility on social media, prompting the British High Commissioner to express concern and initiate an investigation by the Royal Military Police. The matter highlighted the potential risks associated with military exercises conducted near civilian areas and environmentally sensitive sites.

The British government expressed regret over the delay in resolving the case and acknowledged the frustration experienced by the affected communities. A spokesperson at the British High Commission in Nairobi stated that the Lolldaiga fire was “extremely regrettable” and emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of those impacted. The settlement marks a formal resolution to the dispute while underscoring the need for continued coordination between military operations and local communities to minimize potential hazards in future exercises.