Kenya will not let UK economic pressure override BATUK sovereignty, says MP Nelson Koech
National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee chairperson Nelson Koech stated that economic considerations cannot override Kenya's sovereignty, responding to Britain's warning of economic consequences after the cancellation of British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK military exercises. The exercises were suspended after Kenya's Parliament declined to ratify the Defence Cooperation Agreement DCA on previously negotiated terms. Koech emphasized that while Kenya values its partnership with the UK, the relationship must be built on an equal footing, with stronger legal protections and accountability mechanisms. He highlighted that a two-year inquiry by the Committee concluded with conditions for renewing the DCA, including Kenyan court jurisdiction over serious criminal offenses, full cooperation with Kenyan investigations, clear environmental responsibilities, and welfare obligations for affected communities. Koech affirmed that these standards will be upheld and that any future cooperation must address Parliament's concerns regarding jurisdiction, accountability, and protections for affected communities, reflecting equality, respect for Kenyan sovereignty, and adherence to Kenyan law.
