An investigation has uncovered that British soldiers at a base in Kenya are still engaging with sex workers despite an established ban. The findings suggest the practice is occurring at a low to moderate level, leading to calls for stricter enforcement and oversight.
Inquiry Reveals British Soldiers in Kenya Continue to Use Sex Workers Despite Ban
Inquiry Reveals British Soldiers in Kenya Continue to Use Sex Workers Despite Ban
A report highlights ongoing use of sex workers by British soldiers stationed in Kenya, inciting renewed concern over conduct at the British Army Training Unit Kenya.
An investigation by the British Army has confirmed that some soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) are still using sex workers, despite a formal ban on such activities. The report highlights the "low to moderate" level of this behavior, and emphasizes that more needs to be done to eradicate the practice entirely.
Commissioned in October 2025 after allegations surfaced through an ITV report, the inquiry focused on soldier conduct at Batuk, including claims of servicemen paying local women for sexual services. Concerns about sexual exploitation at Batuk have persisted since the 2012 death of local woman Agnes Wanjiru, allegedly at the hands of a British soldier.
UK Chief of Defence Staff Gen Sir Roly Walker stated, "The findings of the Service Inquiry I commissioned conclude that transactional sex is still happening in Kenya at a low to moderate level. It should not be happening at all." He added that such conduct is incompatible with the values of the British Army and preys on vulnerable individuals.
The inquiry assessed the behavior of troops at Batuk over more than two years, detailing 35 suspected instances of sexual transactions since the guidelines prohibiting such conduct were introduced in July 2022. Out of the approximately 7,666 British soldiers who served at the base during that period, only a handful of allegations have been verified.
Additionally, while the Army has instituted training and monitoring measures to prevent breaches of regulations, the inquiry found persistent occurrences of "transactional sexual activity." Despite existing control mechanisms, the report cautioned against complacency, noting that the situation may need more rigorous management than previously assumed.
Amidst the ongoing concerns related to Batuk, there are also parallel inquiries by Kenyan MPs into the broader allegations of mistreatment of local residents by British soldiers. Such claims include physical injuries caused by troops and reports of soldiers fathering children with local women and abandoning them upon returning home.
As the British Army commits to implementing recommendations from the inquiry, including facilitating the dismissal of soldiers found guilty of using sex workers, attention remains on restoring trust and ensuring accountability. The overall sentiment from local residents towards the presence of Batuk has reportedly been positive, but the recent findings have fueled discussions around the ethical conduct of foreign troops in Kenya.
