Kenya reflects on counter-terrorism gains 5 years after DusitD2 attack

Kenya has achieved much in counter-terrorism after the deadly January 15, 2019 DusitD2 complex terror attack.

In a statement, the director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Rosalind Nyawira, said the attack brought to the fore years of collaborative multiagency work, and the response was prompt, well-coordinated, and executed."

“The response by Kenya's security forces was swift and decisive, culminating in the elimination of all four perpetrators and hundreds of lives saved,” Nyawira said.

She said Kenya has significantly strengthened its capability to disrupt terrorist planning, recruitment and attacks, especially stepping up counter-radicalisation, to decimate the enemy's ability to lure sympathisers and propagate their malevolent ideology.

Nyawira said there has been successful implementation of the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism (NSCVE) over the past seven years, bringing together a diverse array of State and non-state actors in identifying and dealing with the factors driving violent extremism in Kenya.

“The greater involvement of communities and community-based groups in preventing and countering terrorism has resulted in enhanced vigilance, especially in areas considered more vulnerable to terror attacks.”

Tapping into existing community policing methods like Nyumba Kumi has resulted in the permeation of Programme on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) activities into the grassroots, she added.

This all-of-society mantra has been cascaded to the counties, which are now coming up with policies and laws to address the challenges emanating from violent extremism within their areas of jurisdiction.

Nyawira said NSCVE is currently undergoing a review to ensure sustained responsiveness to the evolving threat of terrorism.

She added there is successful collaboration with Kenya's regional and international partners in the war on terrorism.

“Kenya is now recognised as a leading player in CT in the global South. Kenya is bound to continue to support regional, continental and international efforts to end violent extremism that results in terrorist acts.”

Nyawira added strengthening the multi-agency approach and rallying together all security agencies involved in combating terrorism is another achievement.

Countering the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes has been an achievement so far.

“Terrorist actors continue to sow fear in communities using the latest innovations in technology. The threat posed by emerging technologies in propagating terrorist narratives and enlisting sympathisers especially youth is real,” she said.

She said the country must take cognisance of the rapidly evolving threat landscape including the adoption of new technologies by terrorist organisations.

“Proactive safety measures involving citizens and community are imperative in keeping the country safe from the perennially lurking threat.”

“The goal of terrorists is to instill fear and despondency in an attempt to disrupt society and our democracy. We therefore need to revitalise our collective efforts and commitment to eliminate terrorism and violent extremism from our midst,” she added.

Kenya marks the fifth anniversary of the January 15, 2019, terrorist attack on the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi.

The DusitD2 complex was frequented by diplomats, including Americans and Israeli nationals living in Nairobi.

The country will also observe the eighth anniversary of the El Adde attack in Somalia, in which more than 100 Kenyan troops were killed by militants on January 15, 2016.

In the Dusit attack, al-Shabaab gunmen armed with explosives, automatic weapons and grenades stormed the six-building complex of shops, offices and a hotel.

At least 22 people, including a US citizen were killed in the attack. Kenyan security agencies say they are aware of the threats and dangers ahead and they have taken various measures to tame them.

The security agencies added they have thwarted tens of attempts to stage terror attacks.