Kenya Foils 47 Terror Attacks (2022–2024)

Kenya has successfully prevented 47 terrorist attacks between January 2022 and November 2024, the government announced Thursday. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, speaking at a security briefing in Nairobi, said the foiled plots targeted citizens, critical national infrastructure, security installations, and even foreign interests. He reported that several terrorists were neutralised during this period, and the government secured 11 convictions in court. The Star+2allAfrica.com+2
Mudavadi credited the country’s counterterrorism gains to strengthened international partnerships, noting that Kenya received training and equipment support from nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Japan, China, and South Korea. The Star+1 He highlighted two specific operations: one in Lamu, where a planned attack on a Border Patrol Unit camp was repulsed, leading to the arrest of suspected al-Shabaab militants; and another in Kwale, where security forces intercepted suspects with firearms and foiled a robbery. The Star The government also pointed to a marked drop in Kenya’s Global Terrorism Index (GTI) score—from very high in 2023 to medium in 2024—indicating tangible progress. Mwakilishi
Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive, with national leaders and security experts praising the intelligence-led operations. Many have lauded the sacrifices made by security personnel, especially at a time when the country continues to lose officers: in 2024 alone, at least 55 police officers died in the line of duty, according to official sources. The Eastleigh Voice News+1 Some analysts, however, caution that the continued presence of al-Shabaab and Daesh-affiliated networks—which remain active across the region—means the threat is far from over. Mwakilishi
Looking ahead, the government says it will sustain and deepen its cooperation with foreign partners, while also scaling up investments in security infrastructure. Mudavadi reaffirmed the commitment to modernising Kenya’s counterterrorism capabilities, hinting at further upgrades in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response units. With the GTI now at a more favourable level, officials are hopeful that Kenya can consolidate its gains—but acknowledge that persistent vigilance will be critical in what remains a volatile regional security landscape.