Kenya's university set for memorial for terror attack victims

Northeastern Kenya's Garissa University College is set on Saturday to commemorate the lives lost during the devastating terrorist attack on April 2 last year.

The institution is gearing to mark its first anniversary since last year's deadly terror attack that left 148 people dead, with most of them being students.

The memorial will be held on the college campus to allow those affected or impacted by the attack to mourn the deceased, and to hopefully begin the process of rebuilding and restoration following the trauma of the attack.

"It has been a very traumatic time and a very low point for us, as teachers and the entire Garissa university fraternity. The incidents of that day will remain deep in our hearts for as long as we leave because we lost our beloved innocent students,"the college's Principal Professor Ahmed Warfa said Thursday.

The memorial will feature four related activities such as a special mural by graffiti artist Smoki, which will be unveiled at the memorial park established by the college in the aftermath of the attack.

A collection of individually designed benches donated by artists from various parts of the country will be added to the park to add to its value as a space for reflection and commemoration.

Books collected through a book drive will also be donated to the college library as a sign of solidarity from individuals.

Warfa said the college has so far managed to register 118 privately sponsored students, adding that intake for 700 regular students will be done in September.

He further said the government had already set aside funds for the construction of a security wall in the university that will cost 3 million U.S. dollars. And the wall will be completed by September.

Other security measures that have been put in place include the construction of a police post complete with police officers who man the institution 24 hours, said Warfa. Endit