An investigation commissioned by the British Army has uncovered that soldiers stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) are continuing to engage with sex workers, despite a strict policy prohibiting such conduct. The inquiry, which spanned over two years and was prompted by a previous ITV documentary, revealed instances of "transactional sex" occurring at a "low to moderate" level.
British Army Soldiers Continue Using Sex Workers in Kenya Despite Explicit Ban
British Army Soldiers Continue Using Sex Workers in Kenya Despite Explicit Ban
An inquiry has revealed persistent use of sex workers by British soldiers at the training base in Kenya, highlighting troubling conduct.
The report details 35 incidents where soldiers were suspected of paying for sex since July 2022, amidst ongoing efforts by military leadership to address these unacceptable behaviors. The army previously enacted a ban on paying for sex to combat sexual exploitation and abuse among personnel deployed overseas. Gen Sir Roly Walker, UK Chief of General Staff, emphasized that such behavior contradicts the values of the British Army and must be curtailed.
Despite training initiatives and monitoring measures, including "sharkwatch" patrols, the inquiry found that some soldiers had paid for sex during their deployment, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of the existing regulations. The report noted that complaints of mistreatment of local communities have also surfaced, leading to further investigations by Kenyan MPs. With an ongoing effort to improve the situation, the army plans to implement necessary recommendations from the inquiry to strengthen its stance against sexual exploitation.
Local attitudes towards the presence of the Batuk base appeared largely positive, but the inquiry continues as concerns about the conduct of British soldiers persist.
Further investigations are continuing into additional claims against British troops in Kenya, highlighting an urgent need for accountability within the military ranks.
The inquiry underscores the challenges facing the British Army in preserving its integrity while ensuring respectful conduct toward local populations, amidst allegations forming a complex narrative of misconduct.
Despite training initiatives and monitoring measures, including "sharkwatch" patrols, the inquiry found that some soldiers had paid for sex during their deployment, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of the existing regulations. The report noted that complaints of mistreatment of local communities have also surfaced, leading to further investigations by Kenyan MPs. With an ongoing effort to improve the situation, the army plans to implement necessary recommendations from the inquiry to strengthen its stance against sexual exploitation.
Local attitudes towards the presence of the Batuk base appeared largely positive, but the inquiry continues as concerns about the conduct of British soldiers persist.
Further investigations are continuing into additional claims against British troops in Kenya, highlighting an urgent need for accountability within the military ranks.
The inquiry underscores the challenges facing the British Army in preserving its integrity while ensuring respectful conduct toward local populations, amidst allegations forming a complex narrative of misconduct.
