Anger and frustration filled the streets of Samburu County as young people marched to protest the loss of jobs linked to the downsizing of the British Army Training Unit Kenya.
The training unit, widely known as BATUK, has reduced its activities in the region, leaving many residents without work.
For many years, BATUK has operated as a permanent training support base in Kenya, helping prepare British soldiers for missions around the world. Its presence has supported hundreds of local residents, especially in areas near its training grounds in Nanyuki and neighbouring communities.
Casual labour, short-term contracts, and support services offered income to many families.With the recent scaling back, many of these opportunities have come to an end.
Youth who depended on the training exercises say they were removed from their duties without proper consultation. They argue that there was no public participation before the changes were made.
During the protests, one resident said the community should have been involved in discussions before any decision was taken. Another protester claimed that more than 500 young people previously benefited from different work arrangements connected to the unit.
Information from the United Kingdom shows that the British government still considers BATUK an important site and plans to maintain it for testing uncrewed systems until 2026. However, the army is expected to move toward fewer but larger brigade-level exercises. This shift means there will be less frequent day-to-day activity in the training areas, which directly affects casual workers who relied on routine deployments.
Locals say the impact is already being felt. Some claim they have gone for more than a year without steady income. Youth leaders also warn that rising unemployment is increasing frustration and could contribute to insecurity in parts of Samburu.
The relationship between the community and BATUK has not always been smooth. Over the past three years, tensions have grown following incidents that strained ties with neighbouring residents.
Concerns about environmental impact, accountability, and unresolved cases involving British soldiers have continued to shape public debate.
Members of Parliament have also questioned the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United Kingdom, especially as a major review is expected in 2026.
Protesters have directed some of their anger at the Losesia board, the community ranch body that acts as a link between residents and BATUK. The board manages agreements on land use and employment. Some residents now accuse it of failing to protect their interests during the downsizing and are calling for its disbandment.
