Resurgence: Dark history in the past as Garissa University thrives

Walk into Garissa University which was the centre of a terror attack some nine years ago and you'll be amazed with the transformation. The once-dreaded institution is now an oasis of tranquillity, resurgence and aspirations.

On April 2, 2015, heavily armed Al Shabaab militants stormed the University killing 147 people, mostly students.

Heightened security

Currently, apart from a perimeter wall that has been erected around the university, the institution is manned by armed police officers day and night.

There is also a completely gazetted police post. There are also scanners which are used for detection. Students are required to produce their identity cards when entering the compound.

The University which is the only one in the region that was given a charter by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 has a fully-fledged police station with strict access into the institution.

"No longer afraid."

The University’s dean of students Dr Rozaline Mumo noted that she was initially hesitant when she was posted to the university disclosing that some of her family members, close relatives and friends did not make things any better since they kept on discouraging her from moving.

She, however, says that after a lot of soul searching and convincing she decided to make the bold step of going to Garissa, a decision she says she does not regret to date.

“I have been at this great university for two years now and I can tell you it has been a great journey that has been filled with joy and satisfaction. Given another chance I will still choose to come here,” she said.

She said that while the unfortunate events will remain in the hearts and minds of many, that will not deter them from progressing ahead and charting a new path for the institution.

In an interview at the institution, Flora Njeri a fourth-year student taking a Bachelor's in Education said the college is the best place she could have wished to pursue her higher education.

Njeri who is specialising in English and Literature says that when she first received an admission letter to join the university she was reluctant knowing very well what had happened a few years earlier.

“I must admit that I developed cold feet I remember even telling my parents that I would never go to Garissa. I was very categorical that with them that they should find me another college,” she said.

“But after some convincing from close relatives and friends, I reluctantly changed my mind and joined. the first few months were tough but slowly I adapted and slowly we became like a small neat family. Here I am almost graduating."

Changing the narrative

Asked whether she is okay working in the region, Njeri quickly responds in the affirmative saying that the notion that she initially had about the region has since changed describing the insecurity incidences as isolated.

“We all have a role to play in changing the narrative of this region that it is all about insecurity. And you the media have a very big role to play in changing this narrative that is doing the region more harm than good," she said.

"The region just like any other part of the country has insecurity challenges, but unfortunately when it comes to NEP counties that is when the issue is blown out of proportion."

Never forgotten

In another interview, Garissa University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahmed Warfa described the incident as a dark history and a permanent scar that will remain with them for a long.

Professor Warfa who was still the VC at the time of the attack says the souls of those who were killed will forever remain in their hearts.

“Nine years ago, our campus was shaken to its core by an act of senseless violence that claimed the lives of many promising young individuals, forever altering the course of their futures and leaving scars that still linger in our hearts,” he said.

Professor Warfa says that a lot of changes have been made especially on matters of security saying never again should such a thing happen to anyone on Kenyan soil.

“As Vice Chancellor of Garissa University, I am deeply humbled by the courage and resilience displayed by our students, faculty, and staff in the aftermath of this devastating attack. Together, we have overcome immense challenges and worked tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all," Warfa said.

He commended the community's resilience and strength that has brought them together to rebuild what was broken.