- Title: KENYA: Kenyan malls beef up security over Christmas
- Date: 24th December 2013
- Summary: NAIROBI, KENYA (DECEMBER 23, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SHOPPER PICKING UP BUNDLE OF KALE VARIOUS OF SUPERMARKET AISLE VARIOUS OF SHOPPERS PICKING UP ITEMS FROM THE SHELVES (SOUNDBITE) (English) KENNETH MUNGAI, ASSISTANT MANAGER NAIVAS SHOPPING MALL SAYING: "We've had a difference with traffic because once we upgraded our security, people are having more confidence with u
- Embargoed: 8th January 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Kenya
- Country: Kenya
- Topics: Crime
- Reuters ID: LVAQBOU6HK3HNYTPW2S2BXJMEDY
- Story Text: In the wake of a terror attack by al qaeda linked Somali Islamist insurgents in September, Kenyans are taking special precautions this Christmas to try thwart another assault.
Many malls and shopping centres have beefed up security adding guards and metal detectors to their exits and entrances. Some shoppers say they do feel more confident because of the added security.
"You know it is so spacious, even the entrance is spacious, and the guards make sure that they are frisking everybody, so I feel secure," said Francis Kamau, a Nairobi resident.
Others, however, are not convinced that the new measures will prevent another attack especially after a recent grenade attack on a public transport vehicle in Eastleigh, a predominantly Somali neighbourhood in Nairobi.
"Especially in Nairobi, there is so much fear because we don't know when these fellows are going to attack especially after the sustained grenade attacks in Eastleigh, and as much as the I.G.(Inspector General) is telling us that all is safe, we are really not feeling that safe," said Michael Omino, another Nairobi resident.
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the Westgate shopping mall siege in September that claimed 67 lives and injured over 200 others. The group has threatened more attacks not just against Kenya but against all nations contributing troops to AMISOM, the African Union Peacekeeping force in Somalia But businesses in Nairobi remain optimistic and hope to cash in on the Christmas rush as Kenyans shop and prepare for the festivities.
"We've had a difference with traffic because once we upgraded our security, people are having more confidence with us, so we appreciate the people and we actually encourage them to come and shop in any mall," said Kenneth Mungai, Assistant Manager at Naivas, a local supermarket chain.
Kenyans will also be concerned about a recent 16 percent increase in VAT with consumer goods that used to be exempt like maize flour, bread, rice and milk being added to the list.
Critics say the VAT hike will make life increasingly more difficult for many of Kenya's 40 million people who live below the poverty line. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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