The United Kingdom has agreed to pay £2.9 million ($4 million) in compensation to over 7,000 residents near Kenya’s Lolldaiga conservancy for damages caused by a 2021 wildfire sparked by a British military exercise, the plaintiffs’ lawyer announced on August 22, 2025.

The fire, ignited during a British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) drill in March 2021 in the Laikipia region, devastated the 49,000-acre Lolldaiga conservancy, destroying vegetation and leaving unexploded ordnance that injured locals. Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, representing the claimants, confirmed to Reuters: “We arrived at a settlement and have dispatched payments,” noting the funds addressed “smoke nuisance” impacting residents’ health and livelihoods.

A British soldier’s social media post appeared to claim responsibility for the blaze, prompting then-British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to express being “appalled” and order a Royal Military Police investigation. The British High Commission in Nairobi, in a statement, called the incident “extremely regrettable” and acknowledged the delay in resolving claims, which frustrated affected communities.

The settlement, finalized through the Inter-Government Liaison Committee, marks the first successful legal action against BATUK in Kenya. However, some residents, expecting up to 20 times more compensation, plan to protest, according to Laikipia County MP Cate Waruguru. Critics argue the £2.9 million falls short of addressing the full environmental and personal losses, while the UK emphasizes its commitment to supporting affected communities without admitting liability.