The recent inquiry prompted by ITV's allegations indicates that British Army personnel at the British Army Training Unit Kenya have engaged in transactional sexual activity, with a notable lack of successful deterrents. This recurring issue raises concerns about accountability and the protection of local communities.
Inquiry Reveals Continued Use of Sex Workers by British Soldiers in Kenya
Inquiry Reveals Continued Use of Sex Workers by British Soldiers in Kenya
An investigation has uncovered that British soldiers at a training base in Kenya are still using sex workers despite a formal ban imposed by the UK Ministry of Defence.
An investigation by the British Army has revealed that some soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) are still utilizing sex workers, contrary to a ban implemented by the Ministry of Defence. The inquiry, which spanned more than two years, concluded that the use of sex workers by soldiers occurred "at a low or moderate" level and highlighted the need for further measures to eliminate the conduct entirely.
Commissioned in October 2024 following an ITV investigation into allegations of soldiers paying for sex, the inquiry examined behavior at the base dating back to July 2022. This scrutiny comes amid previous issues surrounding Batuk, especially the infamous case of Agnes Wanjiru, a local woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier in 2012, leading to ongoing concerns about the treatment of residents by soldiers stationed there.
General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of General Staff, acknowledged the findings of the inquiry, emphasizing the army's commitment to combating sexual exploitation within its ranks. He stated, "It should not be happening at all," condemning the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The inquiry's panel, comprising two serving officers, a civil servant, and an independent adviser, scrutinized the army's efforts to enforce JSP 769, which prohibits paid sexual encounters. The report documented 35 incidents involving suspected payments for sex, with allegations emerging throughout the period 7,666 British soldiers served at the base. While not all claims were substantiated, the report acknowledged a persistent culture of transactional sexual activity among soldiers in the region.
In light of ongoing concerns, the Army has initiated various strategies to address the issue, including regular training sessions and monitoring through "sharkwatch" patrols. Additionally, recommendations from the report will facilitate the dismissal of soldiers caught engaging with sex workers and bolster further training initiatives.
This investigation follows previous inquiries into allegations of inappropriate conduct at Batuk, including claims of mistreatment of local individuals and incidents where soldiers fathered children with Kenyan mothers before abandoning them. Recently, a soldier was repatriated to the UK after being accused of rape.
The inquiry determined that the majority of local residents support the presence of the Batuk camp, despite acknowledging the complexities of soldier-community interactions in the region, indicating a pressing need for responsible conduct from UK forces in Kenya.
