NAIROBI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will hasten implementation of its agenda for economic growth and social transformation despite tremors triggered by a terrorist attack at an upmarket business complex in Nairobi, officials said on Thursday.
Joe Mucheru, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, said that Tuesday's terrorist attack at the 14 Riverside Drive that houses luxurious hotel chain DusitD2 and offices for multinational companies, has not disrupted ongoing programs to revive the economy and promote national unity.
"The country has picked up pieces after the terrorist attack and there is overwhelming support locally and abroad towards our agenda for growth," Mucheru remarked at a press briefing held in Nairobi.
Kenya was in the global spotlight this week when Somalia-based militants al-Shabab attacked the Dusit business complex, killing 21 people including a police officer.
The terrorist attack at the premier business complex bore resemblance to the one carried out by al-Shabab at Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall in September 2013 where 67 people lost their lives.
Mucheru said Kenya has learnt from previous terrorist attacks to upgrade its response strategy and minimize damage to livelihoods.
"Our security forces moved swiftly to neutralize the assailants and managed to evacuate 700 civilians to safety. The civilians came out strongly to send positive messages that reinforced the narrative of our huge potential," said Mucheru.
He lauded foreign governments for refraining from issuing travel advisories in the wake of the latest terror attack, adding that Kenya remained a favorite tourist destination in spite of the security challenges.
Fatuma Hirsi, principal secretary of the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication, said that Kenya has addressed gaps in the national counter-terrorism strategy to ensure future attacks are contained swiftly and cause minimal disruption to economic activities.
"We are aware that terrorism is a global problem not restricted to Kenya and other African countries hence our resolve to ensure the evil does not overshadow positive developments in the country," said Hirsi.
She noted that investors' confidence remained high in the wake of the latest terrorist attack thanks to swift response from security apparatus.
