An investigation commissioned by the British Army has unveiled that some soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) continue to engage with sex workers, despite an official ban put in place to combat sexual exploitation. The inquiry, which examined conduct at the base over a two-year period starting in July 2022, indicated that the use of sex workers was prevalent at a "low or moderate" level, suggesting that significant efforts are still required to eliminate this behavior.
The inquiry was launched in October 2024 after ITV uncovered troubling allegations regarding soldiers at Batuk utilizing local women for sex. This came after a series of controversies linked to the base, including the suspicious death of local woman Agnes Wanjiru in 2012, allegedly at the hands of a British soldier. The Ministry of Defence took preventative measures to deter such conduct in 2022, officially banning forces from paying for sex abroad.
UK Chief of General Staff Gen Sir Roly Walker articulated the army's commitment to addressing these issues, stating, "There is absolutely no place for sexual exploitation and abuse by people in the British Army." Of the 7,666 British soldiers stationed at Batuk during the inquiry, investigators identified 35 instances of suspected payment for sex, noting that many allegations remained unproven.
Despite regular training and the establishment of "sharkwatch" patrols to monitor soldiers' behavior during nights out, the committee concluded that transactional sexual relationships persist. They emphasized that while the problem isn't extensive, it poses a significant threat, especially to vulnerable populations.
Moreover, following the findings, the army pledged to adopt stricter measures, including making it easier to dismiss personnel found guilty of using sex workers and increasing training efforts for soldiers. These developments reflect ongoing scrutiny over Batuk's conduct, as Kenyan MPs also investigate claims of mistreatment by British soldiers, including instances of unaddressed abuses against local communities.
As the situation unfolds, local sentiments seem mixed, as many residents reportedly appreciate the presence of the Batuk camp despite rising concerns about soldier behavior. The inquiry highlights the urgency for the army to reinforce its regulations and commitment to ethical conduct amid ongoing allegations of abuses connected to their troops in Kenya.
