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Kenyan soldiers in Dark green protective helmet and a british soldier take part training in the past
(Below)
British and Kenyan soldiers in joint military training in Laikipia on October 10, 2016
Kenya and the United Kingdom have resumed their joint military training after a five-year lull.
Relations between the two countries had been under threat during this period.
The training is aimed at preparing the forces to work together when confronting common problems, including terrorism.
British troops are preparing for an engagement in Somalia, where the Kenya Defence Forces are already fighting al-Shabaab.
The first week of the joint exercises ended in Laikipia on Monday.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo said the lapse was caused by extended negotiations before the two countries endorsed a new defence cooperation agreement.
“It is critical to improve our defence capabilities and strengthen cooperation after signing the agreement. This is the first joint training in five years. We hope to continue training in Kenya because we’ve excellent facilities,” she said.
Ms Omamo added: “Circumstances have changed and now we have a new framework. We are grateful for agreeing to share their expertise and knowledge. It’s a win-win situation.”
The British Army has been training in Samburu, Isiolo and Laikipia since independence, but Kenya had declined to renew the pact after it expired last year.
NIC HAILEY
British High Commissioner Nic Hailey said: “The wider benefit is to train and fight together. We are practising for UN peacekeeping missions at a time we shall be working together in South Sudan and Somalia. There is so much to learn from each other, especially in engaging the civilian population in times of conflict.”
The two top officials were speaking in Laikipia after witnessing a simulated joint combat engagement in a war zone, staged by troops from both countries.
Mr Hailey added: “UK is Kenya’s longest-standing defence and security partner and both countries have committed to seeing this relationship continue to grow. This represents the beginning of a new level of UK and Kenya engagement, which will greatly enhance the defence capability of both nations and contribute to Kenyan and wider regional security.”
According to the High Commissioner, the British Army Training Unit in Kenya injects Sh7.5 billion into the local economy every year.
A total of Sh6.5 billion of the money is spent in Samburu, Laikipia and Isiolo counties. It employs 1,400 Kenyan civilians.
Each year, 10,000 troops are sent to Kenya for training.
‘BUIDING BONDS’
Ms Omamo said: “We shall build the professional force that we envision by exchanging ideas and building bonds because we are facing threats together and we must confront them together.”
In the new agreement signed at the Defence ministry headquarters in Nairobi, British soldiers who break the law will be tried in Kenyan courts, one of the issues that had been contested by the British before the parties agreed.
The agreement was ratified by parliaments of both countries.
It further says the British military will be required to inform Kenyan authorities one year ahead of starting military exercises in Kenya.
This means Kenya will have in advance the full details and numbers of personnel, numbers and types of weapons, ammunition, explosives, vehicles and major equipment they intend to bring.
The British will also pay a total Sh132 million over the five years of the agreement for the use of the facilities at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki and Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi.
(Below)
British and Kenyan soldiers in joint military training in Laikipia on October 10, 2016
Kenya and the United Kingdom have resumed their joint military training after a five-year lull.
Relations between the two countries had been under threat during this period.
The training is aimed at preparing the forces to work together when confronting common problems, including terrorism.
British troops are preparing for an engagement in Somalia, where the Kenya Defence Forces are already fighting al-Shabaab.
The first week of the joint exercises ended in Laikipia on Monday.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo said the lapse was caused by extended negotiations before the two countries endorsed a new defence cooperation agreement.
“It is critical to improve our defence capabilities and strengthen cooperation after signing the agreement. This is the first joint training in five years. We hope to continue training in Kenya because we’ve excellent facilities,” she said.
Ms Omamo added: “Circumstances have changed and now we have a new framework. We are grateful for agreeing to share their expertise and knowledge. It’s a win-win situation.”
The British Army has been training in Samburu, Isiolo and Laikipia since independence, but Kenya had declined to renew the pact after it expired last year.
NIC HAILEY
British High Commissioner Nic Hailey said: “The wider benefit is to train and fight together. We are practising for UN peacekeeping missions at a time we shall be working together in South Sudan and Somalia. There is so much to learn from each other, especially in engaging the civilian population in times of conflict.”
The two top officials were speaking in Laikipia after witnessing a simulated joint combat engagement in a war zone, staged by troops from both countries.
Mr Hailey added: “UK is Kenya’s longest-standing defence and security partner and both countries have committed to seeing this relationship continue to grow. This represents the beginning of a new level of UK and Kenya engagement, which will greatly enhance the defence capability of both nations and contribute to Kenyan and wider regional security.”
According to the High Commissioner, the British Army Training Unit in Kenya injects Sh7.5 billion into the local economy every year.
A total of Sh6.5 billion of the money is spent in Samburu, Laikipia and Isiolo counties. It employs 1,400 Kenyan civilians.
Each year, 10,000 troops are sent to Kenya for training.
‘BUIDING BONDS’
Ms Omamo said: “We shall build the professional force that we envision by exchanging ideas and building bonds because we are facing threats together and we must confront them together.”
In the new agreement signed at the Defence ministry headquarters in Nairobi, British soldiers who break the law will be tried in Kenyan courts, one of the issues that had been contested by the British before the parties agreed.
The agreement was ratified by parliaments of both countries.
It further says the British military will be required to inform Kenyan authorities one year ahead of starting military exercises in Kenya.
This means Kenya will have in advance the full details and numbers of personnel, numbers and types of weapons, ammunition, explosives, vehicles and major equipment they intend to bring.
The British will also pay a total Sh132 million over the five years of the agreement for the use of the facilities at the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki and Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi.