British Army Training Unit in Kenya adopts new technology for training

KDF Officers during a parade at Kahawa Barracks on October 16, 2021. [Samson Wire, Standard].

Over 5,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kenya Defence Forces train at the vast 250,000-acre Lolldaiga conservancy in Laikipia every year.

According to Batuk communication and media liaison officer, Major Adrian Weale, the soldiers have been exercising caution to protect the environment and community resources in the conservancy from destruction.

Major Weale said the white phosphorus that the unit uses for military explosions is not harmful to the environment, and that additional precautions have been taken to prevent fire outbreaks.

This follows an incident in March 2021, where more than 10,000 acres in Lolldaiga conservancy were destroyed when fire erupted as soldiers were training in the area.

Major Weale noted that the soldiers hold regular meetings with locals to ensure safety measures are in place before any training activities.

Major Niall McCracken, who is the Corps of Royal Engineers, said the UK is working in partnership with the KDF to train over 5,000 troops in three exercises a year.

"The joint training has been crucial for troops who have been sent to Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo," he said.