This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On Wednesday, the Dusitd2 Hotel on Riverside Drive in Westlands, Nairobi, will reopen its doors, marking a significant milestone in the city's resilience and determination to overcome terrorism. The hotel, which was closed six months ago following the January 15 terror attack by Al-Shaabab militants, has undergone renovations and enhanced its security measures.
During the attack, 21 people lost their lives, and six employees of the hotel were among the victims. In the aftermath of the attack, hundreds of volunteers donated blood to the victims, and online taxi-hailing service Uber offered free trips to hospitals. The outpouring of support was a testament to the Kenyan spirit, as President Uhuru Kenyatta noted in a televised address, 'For every act of evil that led to injury, there were a dozen acts of compassion, overflowing patriotism and individual courage.'
As the hotel reopens, several high-profile delegates, including Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, are expected to attend. The reopening is also a significant step in the recovery of the 14 Riverside Complex, where the hotel is the main tenant. The complex had remained closed even after other offices reopened.
According to a statement released by the hotel last month, the staff has undergone training in customer service and security measures have been enhanced. The hotel's reopening is seen as a symbol of Kenyans' resilience and determination to overcome terrorism.
