Chapter 11: The Year 2015 – Grief, Growth, and Global Recognition
The year 2015 was one of contrasts—a year when Kenya's deepest sorrows met its proudest moments. It was a time when the nation's resilience was tested by terror and renewed by hope, when tragedy and triumph walked side by side.
In the small village where John Mankind lived, the year began with cautious optimism. The new railway line was being built across the country, and the talk of progress filled the air. Yet, beneath the hum of development, fear lingered. The memory of past attacks had not faded, and the threat of terror still loomed large.
The Garissa University Massacre
On April 2, 2015, Kenya awoke to one of the darkest days in its history. At Garissa University College, armed militants from Al-Shabaab stormed the campus at dawn, targeting students as they prayed and studied.
For hours, gunfire echoed through the halls. By the time the siege ended, 148 people were dead, most of them young students full of dreams and promise. The attackers had separated victims by religion, sparing Muslims and executing Christians.
The massacre shocked the nation and the world. Vigils were held across Kenya, and flags flew at half-mast. The grief was unbearable, but so was the anger. The attack was not just an assault on a university—it was an assault on Kenya's future.
In the days that followed, the government vowed to strengthen security. Yet, for many families, no promise could fill the silence left by the loss of their children.
Security Crackdowns and Civil Liberties
In response to the growing threat of terrorism, the government expanded police powers and introduced new security laws. Checkpoints multiplied, surveillance increased, and arrests became more frequent.
While some citizens welcomed the measures as necessary for safety, others feared the erosion of civil liberties. Human rights groups raised concerns about abuse of power, arbitrary detentions, and discrimination against the Somali community.
The balance between freedom and security became one of the year's most difficult debates.
The Decline of Tourism
The wave of terrorist attacks took a heavy toll on Kenya's economy, especially the tourism sector. Visitor numbers dropped by nearly 25%, and hotels along the coast stood empty.
For communities that depended on tourism, the decline was devastating. Jobs were lost, businesses closed, and once-bustling beaches fell silent. Yet, even in the downturn, Kenya's natural beauty and resilience continued to draw those who believed in its recovery.
A Year of Global Attention
Amid the sorrow, 2015 also brought moments of pride and global recognition.
In July, Kenya hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), welcoming U.S. President Barack Obama—the first sitting American president to visit East Africa. His arrival was historic, not only because of his Kenyan heritage but because it symbolized Kenya's growing importance on the world stage.
Crowds lined the streets of Nairobi, waving flags and cheering as Obama's motorcade passed. His message of innovation, youth empowerment, and unity resonated deeply with a nation eager for progress.
Later in the year, in November, Pope Francis visited Kenya for three days, bringing a message of peace, humility, and compassion. His presence drew millions of faithful, and his words—calling for justice, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship—touched hearts across the country.
In December, Nairobi hosted the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking the first time the event was held in Africa. The conference underscored Kenya's role as a regional hub for diplomacy and trade.
Development and Reform
Despite the challenges, Kenya made significant strides in infrastructure and education. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project advanced rapidly, promising to transform transport and trade across East Africa.
In the energy sector, geothermal power production expanded, reducing dependence on imported fuel and strengthening the nation's commitment to renewable energy.
In education, the government scrapped examination fees for national exams and capped secondary school fees, making learning more accessible to children from poor families. For many, it was a step toward equality and opportunity.
The Child and the Nation
By the end of 2015, John Mankind was ten years old. He had begun to understand the world beyond his village—the pain of loss, the pride of progress, and the meaning of resilience.
He listened to the radio as his teacher spoke of Obama's visit, of the Pope's blessings, and of the students who had died in Garissa. He asked his mother, "Why do good things and bad things happen in the same year?"
She smiled sadly and said, "Because that is how life teaches us—to cry and to hope at the same time."
That night, as the stars shimmered above, John looked toward the horizon where the new railway would one day pass. He imagined a Kenya where children could learn without fear, where leaders could serve without corruption, and where peace could finally take root.
The year 2015 had tested Kenya's spirit, but it had also reminded the world of its strength—a nation wounded, yet still standing tall in faith and determination.
End of Chapter 11 – The Year 2015: Grief, Growth, and Global Recognition