Kenyans Outraged Over Low Compensation from British Army for 2021 Lolldaiga Hills Fire

NAIROBI, Kenya Charles Ndungu a local resident whose home lies closest to the Lolldaiga Hills expressed deep disappointment over the compensation amount awarded to victims of the devastating wildfire that erupted in 2021.

I suffered significant damages from the smoke of the fire. I also helped put out the fire, Ndungu said. To learn that people are receiving just 22,500 Kenya shillings ($174) is shocking.

The wildfire near Lolldaiga Hills ignited accidentally during a British military training exercise in 2021, ravaged thousands of acres of land caused extensive environmental damage and impacted the health of local communities.

The fire left behind harmful smoke, leading to respiratory complications, damaged eyesight and widespread property damage.

Following a protracted legal battle, the British government agreed to pay £2.9 million (around $4 million) in compensation to over 7,000 affected residents.

However the compensation sums distributed so far have been criticized as inadequate by many members of the community and activists.

Many victims, including Ndungu, voiced frustration that the individual payments of approximately 22,500 Kenya shillings fall far short of their losses and the suffering endured due to the fire and smoke.

Some community members are planning protests to demand greater transparency and justice regarding the payouts.

Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, representing the victims, acknowledged the compensation as a relief for the smoke nuisance caused by the fire but noted that it did not cover the broader damages suffered.

The case was seen as a significant precedent for holding a foreign military accountable in Kenyan courts overturning the UK’s previous immunity from civil suits in Kenya.

The British High Commission in Nairobi expressed regret over the incident calling the fire “extremely regrettable” and recognizing the anger caused by the delay in addressing the matter.

The fire triggered by a British Army training exercise has reignited calls for relocating military drills away from affected communities to prevent future harm.

The community continues to seek comprehensive solutions and fair compensation to mitigate the lasting impact of the 2021 Lolldaiga fire.