The British Government has agreed to compensate Kenyans with approximately Ksh517.2 million ($4 million) following a destructive forest fire in 2021 near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).
The blaze, which engulfed over 10,000 acres of the Loldaiga Hills wildlife conservancy, exposed thousands of residents to toxic smoke during a British army training exercise.
Speaking to CNN, activist James Mwangi described the fire as catastrophic, saying it harmed residents far beyond the fire zone. “In March 2021, this area was a furnace. For over seven days, over 10,000 people were choked by toxic smoke. Nearly everyone in this community has chest problems,” he said.
Many locals continue to live with respiratory and eye issues caused by the smoke. “This is now our life,” a woman holding an inhaler said. “My grandchildren are all ill. Even I can no longer read, and I’ve developed chest problems. We live a difficult life,” another resident added.
The payout will benefit 7,723 residents whose lives were affected, according to a CNN report. The compensation follows a class-action lawsuit filed by a local lawyer on behalf of the community against the British Army.
The lawyer expressed concern that the amount does not fully cover the financial losses or provide long-term relief. Furthermore, the agreement restricts locals from pursuing any additional claims related to the fire.
Kenya earns around Ksh52 million ($400,000) annually for allowing BATUK to operate in the area.
 following a destructive forest fire in 2021 near the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK).){kind=link}