UK to pay Sh520 million compensation to over 7,720 Laikipia fire victims
The settlement comes after a lengthy legal battle over damages caused by a fire reportedly started during a British military training exercise, which destroyed more than 10,000 acres and left residents with lasting health and environmental challenges.
Over 7,720 victims who lost homes, livestock and crops during a 2021 Laikipia forest fire will receive Sh520 million in compensation from the UK government, nearly four years after the blaze devastated Lolldaiga Conservancy.
The settlement comes after a lengthy legal battle over damages caused by a fire reportedly started during a British military training exercise, which destroyed more than 10,000 acres and left residents with lasting health and environmental challenges.
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The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) had previously shared footage of officers battling the fire, stating that both the community and wildlife had been kept safe. Despite this, families reported severe losses, including destroyed homes, crops and livestock, as well as long-term health issues linked to smoke inhalation and environmental contamination.
Some residents also said they lost relatives due to illnesses triggered by the blaze.
According to CNN, the payout has been classified as an “ex gratia” settlement, meaning the UK government has not admitted liability. It is a voluntary payment intended to resolve the case without further court proceedings.
Each beneficiary is expected to receive about Sh22,000 ($170), a sum that has disappointed many given the scale of their suffering.
“It’s a success story because it’s the first time we’ve ever won a case against the British Army in Kenya, but it’s so little it’s almost nothing,” Laikipia County MP Cate Waruguru told CNN.
“They feel that their sweat and their struggle have not borne any fruit. We need to see our courts stand up to protect the rights of Kenyans.”
The British High Commission in Nairobi, representing BATUK, said it was “pleased that a global settlement has been agreed with the claimants’ appointed legal representatives” and described the fire as “extremely regrettable.” However, the commission did not reveal if any officers faced disciplinary action.
Residents have previously protested near the Lolldaiga Conservancy, highlighting ongoing health issues such as respiratory problems.
An environmental assessment commissioned by Lolldaiga Hills Limited estimated that it could take until at least 2060 for the land to recover fully from the fire’s impact. The conservancy, home to endangered Grevy’s zebra, elephants, lions, and other wildlife, had formerly operated as a private livestock ranch.
While the payout provides limited financial relief, critics say it does little to address the broader issues posed by foreign military exercises in Kenya, including environmental damage and ongoing health risks to local communities.
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