The British Army and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recently concluded a six-week joint military training exercise dubbed Haraka Storm Bravo. The annual exercise, which ran through October and November 2024, took place at the Ole Naishu training area in Laikipia County.
This year’s exercise introduced advanced Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) equipment: an innovative training tool designed to enhance tactical effectiveness. TES technology uses computerised vests that record and transmit tactical data, allowing control units to track and analyse the position, movement, and actions of each soldier during field exercises. Key metrics such as firing accuracy, speed, and direction are captured and reviewed to refine tactical techniques and improve overall operational efficiency.
The exercise was witnessed by senior UK and KDF officials, including: the UK Defence Adviser, Brigadier Olly Bryant; KDF General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command, Major General Kutto; Commander 2 Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier Kamoiro; Kenya Army Chief of Training, Brigadier Mzee; and Commanding Officer 5KR, Lieutenant Colonel Mulwa.
This joint training exercise was part of the UK-Kenya defence partnership, which enables up to six light infantry battle groups to conduct annual training in Kenya. These exercises are designed to prepare troops for global deployment.
Brigadier William Kamoiro highlighted the benefits of TES in improving training outcomes:
The technology to review the exercise, enabled by the use of TES equipment, not only introduces realism into the exercise but also saves the battle group from wasting live ammunition as the team perfects their skills. The British Army’s 2 Rifles and KDF’s Bravo Company of 5KR have demonstrated well-trained battle groups who know what they are doing and how to target and clear the enemy to achieve the set objective. I can confidently report that through the joint exercise, the soldiers are ready for deployment.
Major James Athow-Frost, overseeing BATUK’s Tactical Operations, highlighted the unique opportunities Kenya’s terrain offers:
Kenya offers an incredible terrain for the British troops to train – hot and arid locations and living in basic camps in the bush. This enables the units to be prepared for operations in demanding terrain. The combined training offers the two battle groups an opportunity to exchange experience and use technology like the TES program which brings all battle groups’ activities into a virtual world.
Major General Kutto acknowledged the mutual benefits of the collaboration:
There is a lot of knowledge and skills that we borrow from each other. The demonstration by the two battle groups working together to clear the enemy is a clear indication of the symbiotic relationship between the two forces. The enemy that we are facing is amorphous, it keeps on changing and we must also be able to match and even be smarter. The introduction of TES technology is a huge step towards this.
Kenya remains one of UK’s leading defence partners in East Africa. The UK and Kenya share a long and proud history of military cooperation, working together across land, sea, and air to address shared challenges and ensure the safety of their citizens.
Beyond military preparedness, the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) also invests in community projects, collaborating with National and County Governments, non-governmental and community organisations to address community needs.
Note to editors:
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BATUK TacOps designs the training module, ensures the training happens safely and the training areas are safe for training, and that the troops leave the training areas in good condition as they met them or even better, and that no human being or animal is harmed during the exercise.
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The British Army has contracted Ravenswood Solutions Kenya to provide the TES equipment. The Company works with other contracted companies like Cubic to help bring in wider capabilities for the exercising troops.
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) supports BATUK in setting up structures and systems that ensure physical safety in the training areas. DIO works closely with Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Community elders and local rangers to enable authorised training to be conducted safely. Before any training takes place, DIO coordinates with landowners, managers, and communities to ensure the training plans are understood.
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Immediately before training commences, helicopter overflights ensure training areas are clear before the exercise begins. The training areas must be confirmed as clear (of people, livestock, and wildlife) before any live ammunition is used.