A British Army investigation has revealed that soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continue to use sex workers at a “low to moderate” level, despite a strict zero-tolerance policy introduced nearly three years ago. The UK Ministry of Defence banned all sexual activity involving abuse of power, including paying for sex abroad, in July 2022. Yet, a service inquiry published in June found at least 35 allegations of transactional sex or sexual exploitation at the Nanyuki base since the ban—nine of which occurred after the policy was fully rolled out in November 2022.
Punishments for offenders ranged from demotions and fines of up to £2,000 to minor administrative actions, while several cases were dropped for lack of evidence. “This should not be happening at all,” said General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, who ordered the inquiry. He pledged to adopt all recommendations, including stronger powers to discharge soldiers caught using sex workers.
The investigation was launched after an ITV documentary, The Base: A British Army Scandal, alleged that troops routinely paid local women for sex and committed sexual violence against girls as young as 13. More than 7,500 personnel rotated through BATUK during the inquiry period. The findings have reignited debate over the military’s accountability and its impact on local communities in Kenya.
