Kibiego Kigen, The Director General of National Counter Terrorism Centre
The 21st of September is a date forever etched in my memory. The day began normally for me, exhibiting all the characteristics of a typical weekend in Nairobi.
A day meant for spending time with family and catching up with friends. Little did I know that the calm tranquillity would soon be replaced by a unitary event that would forever change how safe spaces and recreational sites are viewed in the country.
At noon on what had so far been a seemingly quiet day, word started to spread of a possible active attack in Westgate Mall, Westlands. Any patriot or seasoned security practitioner would dread hearing this kind of news.
Within a few minutes, news outlets had already picked it up, and it had become the focus of national and major international news networks.
This was indeed a confirmation that we were under attack. The attack, as it turned out, was orchestrated by a group of ne’er-do-wells. In the aftermath, 67 lives were lost, injuries were reported, and there was significant damage to property.
I can only imagine the agony of the families that lost loved ones on that day, the physical and unseen trauma endured by the survivors, and the emotional toll on Kenyans.
Yet this annual reminder is not only one of pain but also of solidarity and resilience. Indeed, Westgate became a turning point for our nation. From the tragedy emerged an opportunity to rethink our approach to security and strengthen our collective resolve.
Government agencies, civil society, international partners, and ordinary citizens came together to improve coordination, intelligence sharing, and vigilance. Laws were strengthened, awareness campaigns were rolled out, and Kenyans grew more alert to the threat of violent extremism.
Out of the ashes of grief, a stronger and more determined Kenya was born. This transformation has been anchored in a clear shift towards a people-centred approach. The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has embraced the National Strategy to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism (NSPCVE), an inclusive, preventative, and holistic framework. PCVE recognises that force alone cannot defeat extremism.
Instead, it seeks to address the underlying drivers of radicalisation by fostering trust, belonging, and opportunity. We work with youth, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private actors, and community elders. In doing so, Kenyans themselves are not passive recipients of security—they are partners and co-creators of peace.
This spirit of partnership was evident even on that tragic day. In their attacks, the perpetrators hoped to create a divided society; however, what actually happened was that Kenyans rose to the occasion. Ordinary citizens volunteered their vehicles to transport the injured to hospital. Some provided tea to first responders.
Psychologists, parapsychologists, and counselors set up tents to attend to the psychosocial needs of those affected. These individuals transcended mere words, demonstrating the triumph of humanity.
They are the epitome of the NCTC credo of a secure, cohesive, and resilient Kenya as embodied in our National Strategy to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism.
Building on this spirit, NCTC has invested heavily in community engagement and trust building. We have supported dialogues that bridge divides, livelihood programmes that empower the vulnerable, and educational and psychosocial interventions that build resilience.
Campaigns such as “If you see something, say something” have nurtured a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility. Today, Kenyans are more engaged, more aware, and more willing to take ownership of their security.
For me, the best way to honour the memory of Westgate’s victims is through action. We can honour their memory by strengthening our unity, remaining vigilant, and refusing to allow extremist ideologies to take root in our communities. The courage shown by survivors and first responders in 2013 continues to inspire our work.
Their legacy lives on in the resilience of our people and the progress we have made in countering violent extremism. As we mark twelve years since Westgate, let us pause not only to mourn but also to reaffirm.
We reaffirm our solidarity as Kenyans, our vigilance in the face of threats, and our shared national pride. Kenya is stronger than terror, and unity remains our surest path to peace.
Together, we shall honour the past, safeguard the present, and secure the future.
The writer is the Director General of National Counter Terrorism Centre.
