Laikipia: The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) has launched a Sh2.78 million land restoration project targeting the Ilmotiok pastoral community in Laikipia North, focusing on rehabilitating degraded land and strengthening livelihoods in the semi-arid region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative, unveiled on February 11, 2026, will see 30 acres of community land restored through reseeding and improved pasture management to support livestock farming, the main economic activity in the area. The project is being implemented in partnership with Mpala Research Centre, whose agricultural and livestock experts will guide the community on sustainable land use practices.
Of the 30 acres, five acres have been set aside for food crop production by the Ilmotiok Women’s Group to improve household nutrition and generate additional income. The diversification into crop farming is expected to cushion families against recurring droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns that frequently disrupt pastoral livelihoods.
BATUK also donated 20 beehives to the Ilmotiok Women’s Group to strengthen its beekeeping enterprise. Beekeeping is already a significant economic activity in the area and is viewed as environmentally friendly, promoting sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Speaking during the launch at Ilmotiok village, BATUK Commander Col. James Greaves said the community is located near one of BATUK’s operating bases, Swara, and the Mpala training area, making collaboration natural and mutually beneficial. He emphasized that the project reflects BATUK’s dedication to making a lasting impact on host communities, aiming to empower local communities with tools, knowledge, and support to rehabilitate degraded areas, improve agricultural productivity, and protect ecosystems.
Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett noted that the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership on security and defence continues to deliver tangible benefits beyond military cooperation. He highlighted the defence cooperation’s contributions, including training for Kenyan Defence Forces, medical support for local communities, and water access for schools and orphanages.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya welcomed the initiative, acknowledging BATUK’s role in uplifting young people in the region through training and skills development. Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere praised the project and called for expanded community engagement, particularly in environmental conservation training.
Beneficiary Nelly Keshine expressed gratitude for the beehives, noting the empowerment it provides to women in a largely patriarchal society, enabling them to earn profits from honey sales.
Like many arid and semi-arid counties in Kenya, Laikipia faces climate change-related challenges, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall. These conditions have led to food and water shortages, conflicts over shrinking natural resources, and declining agricultural productivity. The land restoration project, through expert guidance from Mpala Research Centre, aims to promote sustainable pasture management, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance profitability in livestock rearing and beekeeping.
BATUK, a permanent training support unit based in Nanyuki, conducts a wide range of exercises for British and Kenyan troops and employs about 600 Kenyan staff. The Ilmotiok project underscores a broader commitment to linking defence cooperation with community development and climate resilience in Laikipia County.
