The UK government has taken steps to compensate thousands of Kenyans impacted by a fire during a British military training exercise in March 2021. This comes after a long legal struggle involving 7,723 claimants who reported property losses and health problems due to the fire, which affected the Lolldaiga conservancy in Kenya's Rift Valley.
A spokesperson from the British High Commission in Nairobi expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the significant effort dedicated to resolving the claims. Although the British government has not officially confirmed the payout amount, reports suggest it stands at £2.9 million.
Kevin Kubai, a lawyer representing the claimants, described the settlement as the "best possible outcome," despite some clients believing the compensation was inadequate. Continued litigation could have prolonged the process for nearly seven years and faced challenges due to lost evidence over time.
While the affected parties lacked medical records for smoke-related health complaints, the main cause of the fire has been identified as a camp stove toppled during the military exercise. The UK Ministry of Defence had acknowledged that around 7,000 acres of private land were damaged, though community land appeared unaffected.
Legal arguments highlighted environmental harm due to smoke and damage prompted by stampeding wildlife. The British government has committed to assist with the restoration of the ravaged conservancy area, where military exercises continue.
The Lolldaiga conservancy, spanning approximately 49,000 acres of hilly terrain, carries a historical legacy tied to colonial land disputes that persist. Positioned near notable sites like the Lewa conservancy, it remains a critical training site for British forces, contributing significantly to the Kenyan economy. Nevertheless, the actions of some military personnel have sparked controversies in the past, including serious allegations against soldiers that attract media scrutiny.
