Garissa University prospers despite its troubled past.
You will be astounded by the changes when you visit Garissa University, which was the scene of a terrorist attack around nine years ago. The once-dreaded institution is now a haven of peace, hope, and renewal.
147 people, predominantly students, were killed when heavily armed Al Shabaab militants raided the university on April 2, 2015.
Increased protection
With the exception of a wall that has been built surrounding the campus, armed police officers are on duty day and night at the university.
Additionally, there is a fully gazetted police post. Additionally, there are scanners that are employed in detecting. To access the compound, students must present their identity cards.
The University features a full-fledged police station with restricted access, making it the only one in the area to get a charter from former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.
“No longer afraid.”
Dr. Rozaline Mumo, the dean of students at the university, stated that she was first apprehensive about joining the institution after learning that some of her close friends, family members, and relatives were constantly discouraging her from going, which did not improve her situation.
She claims, however, that she made the audacious decision to travel to Garissa after much consideration and persuasion—a choice she says she hasn’t regretted to this day.
Having spent the last two years at this wonderful university, I can attest to the wonderful experience that has been full of happiness and fulfillment. I will still come here if given the chance again,” she remarked.
She stated that even while many people will always remember the sad occurrences, it won’t stop them from moving forward and establishing a new course for the organization.
Flora Njeri, a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, stated in an interview at the college that it is the ideal environment she could have imagined to further her study.
Njeri, an English and literature specialist, admits that she was hesitant to enroll at the institution when she first got her admittance letter since she was fully aware of what had occurred a few years prior.
“I have to admit, I got cold feet. I even recall promising my parents I would never visit Garissa. I told them quite clearly that they needed to find me at another college,” the woman remarked.
However, after significant persuasion from close friends and family, I grudgingly decided to join. The first few months were difficult, but I eventually adjusted, and we gradually started to resemble a tiny, happy family. I am on the verge of graduating.”
Modifying the story
When asked if she feels comfortable working in the area, Njeri answers in the affirmative right away, stating that her first impression of the area has altered and that she now views the isolated instances of insecurity as abnormal.
“We all have a part to play in rewriting the story of this region as being solely focused on insecurity. She continued, “And you, the media, have a very big role to play in changing this narrative that is more detrimental to the region than beneficial.”
“The region just like any other part of the country has insecurity challenges, but unfortunately when it comes to NEP counties that is when the issue is blown out of proportion.”
Never forget
Professor Ahmed Warfa, the vice chancellor of Garissa University, said in a different interview that the event will always be remembered as a terrible chapter in their history and a lasting scar.
The souls of the dead will always be in their hearts, according to Professor Warfa, who was a member of the VC at the time of the attack.
He remarked, “Nine years ago, an act of senseless violence rocked our campus, taking the lives of many bright young people and forever changing their futures, leaving scars that still ache in our hearts.”
Professor Warfa claims that many improvements have been made, particularly in the area of security, and that nobody should ever experience anything similar on Kenyan territory again.
“As Garissa University’s vice chancellor, I am incredibly moved by the bravery and resiliency that our staff, teachers, and students showed in the wake of this horrific incident. In unison, we have surmounted great obstacles and diligently labored to provide a secure and supportive educational setting for everyone,” stated Warfa.
He praised the community for coming together to rebuild what was destroyed and for its tenacity and strength.
Garissa University prospers despite its troubled past.
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