Cross‑Border Terror Threats and Border Insecurity (2022–2024)

Kenya’s security agencies have successfully foiled 47 terrorist attacks between January 2022 and November 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Mudavadi revealed that these plots targeted civilians, critical national infrastructure, security installations, and foreign interests. He noted that several alleged terrorists were neutralised, and 11 suspects have been convicted so far. The Star+2Capital FM+2
Mudavadi attributed this counter-terrorism success to strengthened intelligence-led operations and international cooperation. He said Kenya received training and equipment support from a range of countries—including the US, UK, Canada, Israel, Japan, China, and South Korea—which enhanced its security response capabilities. The Star Among the thwarted plots was an attempted assault on a Border Patrol Unit (BPU) camp and another against a General Service Unit (GSU) patrol in Lamu, where suspected Al-Shabaab operatives were arrested and firearms recovered. Mwakilishi+1 Mudavadi also highlighted that Kenya’s Global Terrorism Index (GTI) score improved markedly during this period, dropping from very high in 2023 to medium in 2024. The Star+1
Civil society and security observers have welcomed the announcement as a significant achievement, pointing to the decline in Kenya’s GTI rating as proof that counter-terrorism measures are bearing fruit. Yet, the threat remains, particularly from Al-Shabaab and Daesh-affiliated groups, whose activities continue to concern regional security experts. Mwakilishi+1 The announcement coincides with findings that 55 police officers were killed in 2024, underlining the high stakes faced by security personnel. The Eastleigh Voice News
Looking ahead, the Kenyan government says it will continue to prioritise multi-agency coordination, modernise its security infrastructure, and deepen international partnerships. Mudavadi stressed the need to sustain intelligence-led interventions and court processes to not only disrupt future terror plots but also bring more perpetrators to justice. africawatchnews.co.ke+1