The British army has halted the use of white phosphorus munitions in Kenya following growing criticism over the chemical’s environmental and human impact. The decision emerged during a Kenyan parliamentary inquiry into the army’s activities in the country, according to witness statements provided in late October.
The inquiry was partly prompted by reporting from UK Declassified, which revealed that British forces had fired the incendiary material on at least 15 occasions between 2017 and 2022 around Archer’s Post, a vast communal grazing area for the Samburu people.
According to the British army’s statement, “Munitions that contain phosphorus have not been used by the British Army in Kenya since 2022.” However, the licence allowing their use remains in place, meaning the practice could resume.
White phosphorus, which can cause severe burns and multiple organ failure, is banned for use against civilians but permitted under international law for illumination or creating smokescreens.
Kenyan environmental lawyer Kelvin Kubai welcomed the pause, calling it “a win for environmental justice,” while urging permanent discontinuation.
British troops are now focusing on high-explosive training in Kenya — exercises that have themselves drawn controversy due to injuries and compensation claims linked to unexploded ordnance left behind on local lands.
The UK Ministry of Defence has been asked for comment.
