A Nation Still Healing
Garissa, Kenya- A decade ago, on April 2, 2015, Kenya woke up to one of its darkest days. Four heavily armed gunmen stormed Garissa University College, indiscriminately opening fire on students and staff.
By the time the dust settled, 148 lives had been lost—142 of them young students with bright futures ahead.
It was an attack designed to instill fear, disrupt the country’s socio-economic stability, and deepen religious divides. But ten years later, where does Kenya stand in its fight against terrorism?
In the wake of the Garissa massacre, Kenya’s security apparatus was forced to rethink its approach to counterterrorism.
A multi-agency strategy was introduced, integrating the police, military, intelligence agencies, and local authorities to enhance information sharing and crisis response.
According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, this approach has significantly reduced terrorism incidents, human trafficking, and cross-border crime.
One major shift was the decentralization of the RECCE Squad, Kenya’s elite counterterrorism unit.
Previously, it operated mainly from Nairobi, delaying rapid response times to attacks in remote areas.
Now, deployment hubs exist in terrorism-prone regions like North Eastern and the Coast, ensuring quicker reaction times to threats.
Additionally, the government has intensified border security, particularly in Mandera—a notorious entry point for weapons and militants from Somalia.
Refugee camps, long suspected of harboring terrorist operatives, have also faced tighter scrutiny, though concerns persist about distinguishing genuine asylum seekers from extremists.
148 Lives Lost in the Garissa University AttackOn this day, we remember the 148 lives tragically lost in the Garissa University Attack. On April 2, 2015, Al-Shabaab militants launched a brutal assault on Garissa University College, killing mostly students. This remains one of
The Battle Against Radicalization
Beyond armed responses, Kenya has acknowledged that counterterrorism isn’t just about firepower—it’s about preventing radicalization before it begins.
In response, the government rolled out community-based deradicalization programs, partnering with religious leaders, educators, and civil society groups.
Moreover, Parliament recommended an anti-terrorism awareness program in schools, equipping students with safety protocols and emergency evacuation skills.
While this hasn’t been fully implemented nationwide, security experts insist such measures are crucial in high-risk areas.
On this day, we remember the 148 lives tragically lost in the Garissa University Attack.Our hearts go out to the families and friends who lost their loved ones in this horrific tragedy. May their memories live on.
Justice and Lingering Questions
In the years following the attack, several individuals were arrested and prosecuted.
Three men—Rashid Charles Mberesero, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Hassan Edin Hassan—were convicted for their roles in the massacre, with Mberesero receiving a life sentence.
The mastermind, Mohamed Kuno, was tracked down and killed in Somalia in 2016.
However, in 2023, a Kenyan court reduced the sentences of Abikar and Hassan from 41 years to 25 years, citing insufficient evidence linking them directly to al-Shabaab.
The ruling sparked fresh debate over Kenya’s counterterrorism laws and the challenges of prosecuting terrorism-related cases.
Terrorism still a threat 10 years after Garissa University attack – police the-star.co.ke/news/2025-04-0…
A Nation Moving Forward
As Kenya marks the tenth anniversary of the Garissa attack, the pain remains raw for survivors and the families of those lost.
Memorials are planned to honor the victims, and security agencies maintain heightened vigilance against potential threats.
The question remains: Has Kenya done enough to prevent another Garissa?
While security improvements are evident, experts warn that terrorism is an evolving threat.
The fight is far from over, but with sustained vigilance, collaboration, and investment in counter-radicalization efforts, Kenya stands a better chance of keeping its people safe.
