Traders defend BATUK over criticism by lobby groups

Nanyuki,

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

KNA by Muturi Mwangi

A section of Nanyuki traders have defended the British Army against criticism by lobby groups and activists over human rights violations and atrocities.

The traders drawn from the hospitality industry, transport and tourism among other sectors while speaking to the media in Nanyuki said that the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) had offered residents job opportunities and spurred the Laikipia County economy.

BATUK had been accused of causing inferno while in training activities in Lolldaiga plateau which led to destruction of about 12,000 acres of land. The traders said environmental matters be dealt separately from the economic issues in finding a lasting solution.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI) Laikipia Chapter Chairperson Ndegwa Gitonga said that the parliament committee in charge of security asked residents to submit a memorandum about Defence Corporation Agreement on whether BATUK should continue operating on Kenyan soil or to relocate.

“We are here to support the presence of BATUK in Laikipia. Last month, parliament asked us to write a letter in support or against the Defence Corporation Agreement and we did that, giving reasons why the British Army should continue being here,” revealed the Chamber Chairperson.

He said that, with the anticipated UK King Charles III four days’ tour to Kenya, the country should also sign the defence cooperation agreement for British Army continuity to operate in the country in bid to boost the local businesses.

“We appeal that, with the King’s visit, Defence Agreement should be signed for our businesses to continue developing. And Nanyuki is a town of security camps; we have lived with them in harmony for decades,” said Gitonga.

Nanyuki landlords’ representative Abdi Debaso said they are dependent on the British Army since the majority of residents had rented their houses to operate businesses within the area.

He said absence of the British Army Camp would lead to loss of income for a majority of residents.

Curio Chairperson Peter Mathenge said that the sector had employed over a thousand people and majority of their buyers were Britons which had led to economic growth in the area including tourism.

“Curio businesses support over 1,000 people in Laikipia, and majority of our buyers are British Army. They are our main buyers ,” said Mathenge.

Daniel Ndiritu, a Nanyuki based taxi driver operator on his part reiterated the need to support the BATUK noting that their absence would cause unemployment, since they had offered job opportunities to locals in the region.

 In the past few months, there had been a series of accusations by residents and lobby groups against BATUK over being side-lined on job opportunities, environmental pollution and human rights violations including the death of Agnes Wanjiru among others.

Courtesy; KNA