The UK government has agreed to compensate thousands of Kenyans whose lives were affected by a fire caused by a military exercise in 2021. The settlement concludes a four-year-long legal struggle involving numerous claimants who reported damage to property and health issues resulting from the incident at the Lolldaiga conservancy in Kenya's Rift Valley. A representative from the British High Commission in Nairobi expressed regret over the fire and confirmed that significant resources had been allocated to settle claims. Although the exact compensation amount remains undisclosed, legal counsel suggests it approximates £2.9 million.
Despite the financial compensation, some claimants expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the amounts awarded were inadequate compared to their losses. Attorney Kevin Kubai termed the resolution a "best possible outcome." He noted that legal proceedings would have prolonged for nearly seven years, challenging the claimants due to lost evidence and a lack of medical documentation related to health claims. In 2022, an inquiry conducted by the UK Ministry of Defence determined the fire was likely started by a camp stove tipped over during training maneuvers.
The fire reportedly burnt approximately 7,000 acres of private land, though no community land was directly afflicted. The legal case argued for environmental consequences impacting neighboring communities and the aftermath of wild animals leaving due to the chaos. The UK government has since undertaken restoration efforts in the conservancy while British military exercises continue there, with the site being a key training ground for British forces.
The Lolldaiga conservancy, picturesque in its extensive bushland and proximity to Mount Kenya, also harbors historical significance stemming from land disputes left over from the colonial era. While Batuk (British Army Training Unit Kenya) conducts substantial military training operations yearly, fostering economic contributions to the region, it has faced scrutiny for incidents involving misconduct among its personnel, including severe allegations of violence and exploitation.
Despite the financial compensation, some claimants expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the amounts awarded were inadequate compared to their losses. Attorney Kevin Kubai termed the resolution a "best possible outcome." He noted that legal proceedings would have prolonged for nearly seven years, challenging the claimants due to lost evidence and a lack of medical documentation related to health claims. In 2022, an inquiry conducted by the UK Ministry of Defence determined the fire was likely started by a camp stove tipped over during training maneuvers.
The fire reportedly burnt approximately 7,000 acres of private land, though no community land was directly afflicted. The legal case argued for environmental consequences impacting neighboring communities and the aftermath of wild animals leaving due to the chaos. The UK government has since undertaken restoration efforts in the conservancy while British military exercises continue there, with the site being a key training ground for British forces.
The Lolldaiga conservancy, picturesque in its extensive bushland and proximity to Mount Kenya, also harbors historical significance stemming from land disputes left over from the colonial era. While Batuk (British Army Training Unit Kenya) conducts substantial military training operations yearly, fostering economic contributions to the region, it has faced scrutiny for incidents involving misconduct among its personnel, including severe allegations of violence and exploitation.
