Kenya Marks 27 Years Since US Embassy Bombing With Anti-Terror Pledge

• Aug 07, 2025

Kenya on Thursday marked 27 years since the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi by reaffirming its commitment to fighting terrorism and honouring the victims of the attack.

On August 7, 1998, Al-Qaeda launched coordinated attacks on American embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, killing 224 people and injuring thousands. In Nairobi, the attackers—posing as couriers—detonated a truck bomb after being denied entry to the US Embassy, causing widespread destruction in the city.

More than 200 Kenyans lost their lives in the Nairobi attack, including 32 embassy staff members. The explosion left deep scars, both physical and emotional, in the lives of survivors and their families.

To commemorate the tragedy, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) reaffirmed its commitment to national security. “We honour the memory of the victims and stand in solidarity with their families, their loved ones, and all Kenyans in resilience and unity against terror,” the NCTC said in a statement.

Carla Beni, the new US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, laid a wreath at the memorial site and said the annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism. “We will never forget the lives lost and will continue to honour their legacy,” she said. Beni also pledged continued cooperation between Kenya and the United States in counter-terrorism efforts.

She pointed to the recent conviction of Al-Shabaab facilitators involved in the 2019 DusitD2 attack as proof of progress. “Together, we remain committed to justice and to keeping our communities safe,” she added.

Since 1998, Kenya’s security landscape has changed significantly. Once considered an unlikely target, the country has faced a growing number of terror threats, particularly from Al-Shabaab. In response, Kenya formed specialised units such as the Anti-Terror Police Unit and the Bomb Disposal Unit, and in 2010, launched military operations in Somalia.

The establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre helped centralise efforts, improve intelligence sharing, and coordinate responses across government and security agencies. Through community involvement, better infrastructure, and strong international partnerships, Kenya has made notable progress in reducing the terror threat.

The anniversary not only honoured the past but also served as a solemn reminder of the continued fight to keep Kenya safe.