In a significant legal settlement, the UK government will compensate thousands of Kenyans impacted by a fire from a British military exercise overshadowed by a protracted legal struggle.
UK Settles Compensation for Kenyans Affected by Military Fire
UK Settles Compensation for Kenyans Affected by Military Fire
British government agrees to pay affected Kenyans following a 2021 fire incident caused by military training.
The UK government has reached an agreement to compensate thousands of Kenyans who were adversely affected by a fire resulting from a British military training exercise in March 2021. This decision follows a protracted legal dispute involving 7,723 claimants who alleged they suffered property losses and health issues due to the fire that ravaged almost a quarter of the Lolldaiga conservancy in the Rift Valley. A representative from the British High Commission in Nairobi expressed that the incident was "extremely regrettable," emphasizing the UK’s commitment to addressing the claims through extensive efforts and resources. While the exact compensation amount remains undisclosed, a lawyer involved in the case indicated it totals £2.9 million.
Kevin Kubai, representing the claimants, characterized the settlement as the "best possible outcome," despite his clients expressing dissatisfaction over the amounts received, deeming them inadequate for their substantial losses. He mentioned that prolonged litigation lasting nearly seven years would have posed significant challenges, particularly due to lost evidence over time. Furthermore, he acknowledged the difficulty of substantiating claims of health damage related to smoke inhalation, as many claimants lacked medical records and used firewood for cooking.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the fire likely originated from a knocked-over camp stove during the military exercise, damaging approximately 7,000 acres of private land, although no community land was directly affected. The legal argument also centered on environmental damage resulting from smoke, alongside property destruction due to stampeding wildlife. The British government has since supported restoration efforts in the conservancy, where military exercises continue to occur.
The Lolldaiga conservancy, encompassing around 49,000 acres of rugged bushland amid the striking backdrop of ice-capped Mount Kenya, has a history tied to colonial land disputes originating from British land seizures. Located just 70 km from the Lewa conservancy, the area also bears socio-economic implications. Nearby, the newly-upgraded Nyati Barracks, a £70 million facility, supports extensive British military training annually in regions like Lolldaiga. Despite economic contributions amounting to tens of millions to the Kenyan economy, the operational conduct of some soldiers has been marred by controversies, including allegations of serious crimes.
