Counter-terrorism in Kenya

terrorism counter-terrorism human rights Islamic fundamentalism

The terrorist attacks of 7 August 1998 raised serious questions about transnational and domestic terrorism in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. What motivated terrorists to target Kenya? Why Kenya? Could these attacks have been stopped? How did Kenya and the international community respond to the attacks? Not only did the attacks target Western (US and Israel) interests but also Kenyan interests. Later Kenya was designated an ‘anchor state’ and ‘frontline’ in the ‘Global War on Terror’ (GWOT) President George Bush declared in response to the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York. This article critically examines the counter-terrorism (CT) measures that have been taken in Kenya in response to the attacks and threats made on the country.