Publication of Service Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding alleged unacceptable behaviour by UK Service Personnel in Kenya in contravention of MoD and Army policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Statement from General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff:
There is absolutely no place for sexual exploitation and abuse by people in the British Army. It is at complete odds with what it means to be a British soldier. It preys on the vulnerable and benefits those who seek to profit from abuse and exploitation.
The findings of the Service Inquiry I commissioned conclude that transactional sex is still happening in Kenya at a low to moderate level. It should not be happening at all.
We are listening and learning, and I am implementing the report’s recommendations in full, with new measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. These include increasing the Army’s ability to discharge people for engaging in transactional sex, a new and specific training programme placing an obligation on everyone in the Army to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, and increasing our oversight and assurance measures to ensure this is being taken as seriously as it warrants. The report also sets out a number of areas where we’ve already taken action, which will help tackle sexual exploitation and make Kenyan women safer.
We are fully committed to preventing sexual exploitation in any form and will continue to listen, step up, and take action when we need to, including working with the other Services to learn lessons and share best practice across Defence.