The 1998 terrorist bombing and its implication on security preparedness: a case study of government buildings within Nairobi CBD

Abstract

Security preparedness in response to emerging terrorism threat in Kenya has over time been treated casually prior to the 1998 terrorist bombing in Nairobi. It is this specific terrorist incident that terrorism threat in the country became more real with buildings increasingly being predisposed to it as an appealing target. The study therefore seeks to examine security preparedness measures in 15 Government buildings within the Nairobi Central Business District (NCBD) after the bombing, with more emphasis on their effectiveness while demonstrating the need for enhancement. These measures attempt to fill critical gaps based on 70 responses and focused group discussions. Through an exploratory study, the threat of terrorism is appraised and steps to curtail subsequent plans of attack are explored, based on risk management and threat assessment conceptual framework. Additionally, security preparedness levels evaluated to determine if they adequately addressed the research findings were analyzed for any lessons learned that could be incorporated into the national strategy.