Residents in Laikipia County who live near the Lolldaiga Conservancy, where British soldiers conduct military exercises, are suffering as they await the outcome of a compensation suit stemming from a fire early last year.
While they attribute the hunger to climate change, they also blame the activities of soldiers from the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk), for the loss of livelihoods and deteriorating health.
The consequences of a fire that broke out during routine training in March 2021 are still being felt 20 months later.
Dangerous chemicals and explosives have been blamed for human and livestock deaths, miscarriages, and vision problems.
The cause of the fire, which burned for nearly three weeks and destroyed more than 10,000 acres of vegetation, is unknown.
However, the affected community and environmental lobby group African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action, which filed a lawsuit against Batuk, claimed the explosion was caused by an explosive chemical used in the exercises.
Batuk officials have admitted to using white phosphorus with caution during training, but have clarified that it is used in restricted areas, away from residential areas, and with all required safety standards in place.
The heavy smoke that permeated villages for days, blown by strong howling winds, was said to cause serious eye problems and miscarriages in humans and livestock.
The documents presented in court included evidence from government medics and veterinary officers.
