Outrage as Kenya Agrees to Buy Defence Equipment From UK in Ksh12.5 Billion Deal

The Kenyan government has come under sharp criticism after agreeing to buy military equipment worth Ksh12.5 billion from the United Kingdom.

The controversial deal, signed during President William Ruto’s visit to London on July 1, has raised eyebrows among Kenyans already struggling under heavy taxes, unemployment, and skyrocketing living costs.

While leaders claim the deal will boost Kenya’s security, critics argue the country should focus on urgent social needs like healthcare, education, and food security, not expensive weapons and military tech.

Kenya and the UK have a long history of defence cooperation, stretching back to the country’s independence in 1963. Agreements like the Bamburi Understanding and the continued operations of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) have kept British boots on Kenyan soil for decades. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya to Buy Defence Equipment From UK as Citizens Struggle With Basics

The UK government confirmed on Tuesday that Kenya would purchase Ksh12.5 billion worth of defence equipment, making it the largest military deal between the two countries in the last decade.

The British statement highlighted that the agreement includes the delivery of modern military tools, communication systems, protective gear, and weapons. It also involves plans to build a counterterrorism and stability operations centre.

According to the UK, the deal supports manufacturing jobs in British counties like County Durham, Northamptonshire, and Surrey. The UK noted that it maintains its most significant military presence in Africa in Kenya, where over 3,000 UK troops train annually.

Kenya and the UK have a long history of defence cooperation, stretching back to the country’s independence in 1963. Agreements like the Bamburi Understanding and the continued operations of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) have kept British boots on Kenyan soil for decades.

But this recent purchase—worth £70 million—has triggered serious backlash at home.

“How can a government that just imposed brutal taxes on its citizens justify spending Ksh12.5 billion on weapons?” asked one Nairobi resident. “We have hospitals without medicine and schools without teachers. This is a betrayal.”

History of Arms Deals Between Kenya and the UK

While Kenya has previously bought arms from the UK, the purchases have largely consisted of small arms, ammunition, and gun parts.

In 2017, the UK authorised the sale of 3,000 assault rifles to Kenya, a deal worth £9.45 million (then approximately Ksh168 million). UN records show Kenya also received handguns, sporting rifles, and other minor firearms in the years prior.

In 2023, Kenya imported military equipment worth only Ksh10 million from the UK. This included grenades, bombs, and spare gun parts.

In May 2024, Kenya signed a deal with a UK firm to supply new communication systems and protective equipment to enhance troop safety. That deal seemed relatively low-profile and focused on soldier welfare.

But the latest Ksh12.5 billion agreement signals a major shift toward heavier investments in foreign-supplied arms.

The Defence Ministry claims the equipment will help the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) handle internal and external threats more effectively. However, critics say there is little evidence that these past deals have made Kenyans safer.

“If anything, we’ve seen more domestic unrest and a rise in insecurity in places like the North Rift and Lamu,” said a military analyst. “Buying more gear from abroad won’t fix the structural issues within KDF or the National Police.”

Kenya to Buy UK Defence Equipment Amid Growing Public Outrage Over Government Spending

The announcement comes at a time when public trust in government spending is at an all-time low.

Just weeks ago, President Ruto faced nationwide protests led by Gen Z and youth activists who were angered by the 2025 Finance Bill. The bill proposed heavy taxes on essentials like bread, sanitary towels, and mobile money transactions.

The protests turned deadly on June 25, with at least 19 people reportedly killed by police. More than 500 were injured, and dozens are still missing.

The same administration now spending Ksh12.5 billion on defence gear is yet to offer compensation, answers, or accountability for those killed.

“It’s an insult to every grieving family,” said one human rights activist. “Instead of helping victims or fixing the healthcare system, the government is signing billion-shilling arms deals with former colonial powers.”

Questions are also being raised over whether the procurement followed proper parliamentary oversight and transparency.

“Did the National Assembly approve this? Was there a public tender? We need answers,” said a member of civil society watchdog MUHURI.

Meanwhile, Kenyans online are using hashtags like #WeSaidNo, #RejectArmsDeal, and #FeedNotFight to vent their anger.