The National Assembly Departmental Committee  on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut) met with Inspector General of National Police Service (NPS), Mr. Douglas Kanja, Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr. Mohamed Amin,  Cabinet Secretary, Environment and Mining, Hon. Adan Duale, Director General of the National Environmental Management Authority, Mr. Mamo Boru and Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Services, Dr. Erustus Kanga regarding the activities of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).    

In the meeting, CS Duale confirmed that while BATUK had complied with some environmental regulations, such as submitting an Environmental Audit for its Laikipia Airbase in 2021, it had failed to conduct any Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for their training grounds in Samburu and Laikipia.    

"BATUK has been issued an Environmental Restoration Order, and we will continue to monitor their activities to ensure environmental sustainability," added CS Duale, who also promised routine environmental monitoring of BATUK’s activities.  

The Committee questioned NEMA on the environmental impacts of a 2021 fire at Lolldaiga Ranch, which destroyed 12,000 acres of vegetation during BATUK training exercises.   

“While BATUK has compiled in some areas, it is unacceptable that no Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has been conducted for their training grounds. We are taking enforcement actions to ensure environmental sustainability,” stated CS Duale.  

On his part, Dr. Erustus Kanga, KWS DG was put to task to explain the impact of BATUK activities on wildlife, particularly in wildlife conservancies.  

The DG highlighted concerns about wildlife displacement due to loud explosions during training exercises. "Elephants and buffaloes have been reported to spill over into neighboring villages, posing threats to local communities. We are on constant proactive patrols to manage the situation," said Dr. Kanga.  

Hon. Koech remarked, “the local community must not be left to bear the consequences of BATUK’s activities. We need assurances that environmental and social impacts are being adequately addressed.”  

However, lawmakers expressed concerns about the lack of compensation mechanisms for communities affected by wildlife displacement, a matter which the committee will pursue further with KWS.  

On hazardous material disposal, NEMA DG, Mr. Mamo assured the Committee that BATUK had contracted a licensed waste handler and complied with the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.   

During the meeting, Inspector General of National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja and the Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mr. Mohamed Amin briefed the Committee on the status of cases against the British Army.   

Members of the Committee expressed concern over the delay in resolving these cases, with Hon. Abdikadir and Hon. Elijah Memusi questioned why investigations had taken 12 years to progress.   

Mr. Mohamed while defending the pace of the investigations, informed the Committee that they do not close murder files until the culprits are apprehended. “This investigation has complexities, but we have good evidence to proceed with this case,” the DCI representative stated.  

Hon. Nelson Koech urged the DCI to offer assurance to the affected families and the public that justice is being pursued