Over 17,000 residents from Isiolo and Laikipia counties in Kenya received free medical treatment through a joint exercise led by the British Army and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The initiative, known as Exercise HARAKA SERPENT, spanned five weeks and involved comprehensive health clinics and educational outreach in 11 remote locations.
This annual medical outreach, organized by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), showcased a significant partnership between the British Army, KDF, Isiolo County Referral Hospital, Beyond Zero, and the LEO Project. The collaborative effort aimed to address the healthcare needs of communities in areas often underserved and isolated from regular medical services.
According to the British High Commission in Nairobi, the exercise attracted 17,494 participants, with over 5,000 individuals requiring treatment. Notably, 614 of those treated were children under the age of five, highlighting the critical need for pediatric care in these regions.
Col Edd Gordon MStJ, Commanding Officer 215 (Sc) MMR, expressed his appreciation for the successful collaboration. “It was great to see our team work together with our Kenyan partners, both civilian and military. Delivering healthcare to such a diverse range of patients is of enormous benefit to our soldiers, and it’s great to also give something back to the local community,” Col Gordon said at the conclusion of the exercise.
The joint medical exercise was a testament to the deepening partnership between the British and Kenyan armed forces. Brigadier Olly Bryant, British High Commission Defence Advisor, emphasized the broader goals of the exercise beyond counter-terrorism training. “Our militaries train and operate together not only to fight terrorism but also to share expertise, experience, and techniques, making both of our armies more effective,” Bryant noted.
The healthcare services provided were diverse and included preventive, diagnostic, and curative interventions. The medical teams offered crucial services such as nutritional monitoring, health checks, dental treatment, ophthalmology, and health education. These services were particularly vital for communities in and around Kinna, Isiolo town, and Nanyuki, where access to medical facilities is often limited.
The collaboration extended beyond mere service delivery. British and Kenyan soldiers engaged in knowledge exchange, comparing drills, techniques, and medical equipment. This aspect of the exercise allowed both teams to enhance their operational capabilities and learn from each other’s experiences in medical training and field operations.
The exercise also provided an opportunity for non-governmental organizations to contribute to the effort. Beyond Zero and the LEO Project played significant roles in organizing and facilitating the clinics, ensuring that the outreach could reach as many people as possible.
In addition to medical services, the exercise included health education sessions aimed at raising awareness about various health issues and promoting preventive care. These educational efforts are crucial in empowering local communities to manage their health more effectively and prevent future health crises.
The successful completion of Exercise HARAKA SERPENT underscores the value of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges. It demonstrates how military partnerships can extend beyond combat training to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals in need. As the British Army and KDF continue to work together, their combined efforts will undoubtedly continue to benefit communities across Kenya, reinforcing the importance of global solidarity in improving healthcare access and outcomes.
