On Thursday, the United Kingdom canceled a military training exercise in Kenya scheduled for later this year after failing to receive the necessary government permits, although it clarified that the decision does not imply the withdrawal of its troops from the African country.
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The so-called Haraka Storm maneuvers, planned between September and November in Laikipia County, were suspended. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed that the planned training will take place at an alternative location outside Kenya, moving the activity to Tanzania.
London stated that this decision will have an economic impact on local businesses and residents.
“We recognize the disappointment this decision will cause to those who would have benefited from the economic activity generated by the exercise,” the ministry stated, adding that “all UK training activity in Kenya is subject to the permission of the Kenyan Government.”
Two Gereons from ARX Robotics being used for reconnaissance etc. They were previously paired up with the HX-2 strike drone from Helsing during Haraka Storm. Seems there’s some real interest in these UGVs from the Army. pic.twitter.com/EST1WNAzkO
— Sam Cranny-Evans (@Sam_Cranny) July 13, 2026
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the security alliance, defining it as a pillar of its bilateral relations. “Our joint training exercises and operations with the Kenya Defence Force ensure the safety of both the Kenyan and British people,” the statement emphasized.
Authorities will hold talks with the government to resume training at the earliest opportunity.
The British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), based near Laikipia Air Base, has maintained a presence in the country since 1964.
The British conduct up to six multi-week exercises annually on private land and in community programs, under the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2021. This development comes after the publication of a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in March 2024, which documented 43 cases of human rights violations.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | In the United Kingdom, thousands demonstrate against hate speech and racial discrimination in Belfast, Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/snrIvd7i4Z
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