The British High Commission in Kenya has responded to reports of COVID-19 cases at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) based in Nanyuki.
Four soldiers who recently arrived from the UK to Kenya tested positive for coronavirus.
This has forced about 320 British soldiers in Nanyuki under Exercise Askari Storm camp to be isolated at the site with 160 of them quarantined in tents.
A statement by the UK High Commission in Kenya on Monday said that Britain is working with Laikipia County government in ensuring the situation remains under control.
“We are partnering with authorities & local community to minimise risks,” UK High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Mariott said.
She added: “Thanks to rigorous checks & compliance with #COVID19 protocols, we have discovered small number of cases in British troops @BATUKOfficial. Some troops are in isolation & will be released upon testing –ve.”
According to Mirror, the camp Commander shit down the facility forcing 1,000 to survive on food rations as chefs and local staff were asked to stay away to avoid being infected with the virus.
Local staff who work in the kitchen and gym have since been asked to stay at home as the camp controls the spread of the virus.
This, they say, is also aimed at protecting Kenyans who live with the local staff. They could be infected.
Disinfection of the camp has been done “deeply” to keep the outbreak under control.
A British Army Spokeswoman said soldiers are currently surviving on rations and tents while another lot is outdoors until the outbreak is put under control.
Once the next group of soldiers arrive in Kenya, they will be isolated and tested again for COVID-19.
Batuk shut last year after the outbreak of coronavirus. All the soldiers returned home in the UK.
