The Westgate Shopping Mall, nestled in the vibrant Westlands division of Nairobi, Kenya, was once a bustling hub of luxury shopping and entertainment. Opening its doors in 2007, it quickly became a popular destination for Kenya’s emerging consumer class and foreign visitors. However, in 2013, the mall was thrust into the global spotlight as the site of a devastating terrorist attack.
WoK looks into the fascinating history of the Westgate Shopping Mall, tracing its inception as a luxury shopping destination, ownership, the tragic terrorist attack, and its remarkable recovery.
Inception as a Luxury Shopping Destination
In 2007, the Westgate Shopping Mall emerged as a vibrant hub of luxury shopping and entertainment in Nairobi.
Boasting over 90 stores and 350,000 square feet of retail space, the mall attracted Kenya’s burgeoning consumer class, foreign officials, and expatriates.
With anchor tenants like Nakumatt and Planet Media Cinemas, along with globally recognized brands such as Adidas, Bata Shoes, and Samsung Mobile, Westgate became synonymous with upscale shopping experiences.
Additionally, the mall housed a Barclays Bank branch, Artcaffe, and Millionaires Casino, offering visitors a diverse range of services and entertainment options.
The Devastating Terrorist Attack of 2013
However, the year 2013 marked a tragic turning point in the history of Westgate Shopping Mall.
In September of that year, a group of four assailants affiliated with the al-Shabaab militant group stormed the mall, armed with guns and grenades.
They launched a ruthless and indiscriminate attack on unsuspecting shoppers and workers, taking hostages and causing significant damage to the mall’s infrastructure.
The relentless assault spanned four days and resulted in the loss of 68 lives, including men, women, and children from diverse backgrounds, while more than 200 others were injured.
Resilience and Reopening
The Westgate Mall’s reopening after the devastating attack represented a testament to the resilience of Nairobi’s people and their determination not to be overshadowed by tragedy.
Although the mall remained closed for almost two years, meticulous efforts were undertaken to repair the damage and reinforce security measures.
In July 2015, the mall finally reopened its doors to the public, evoking mixed reactions from the community.
While some hailed the reopening as a symbol of Nairobi’s unyielding spirit and recovery, others criticized it as insensitive to the victims.
Suggestions were made to convert the mall into a memorial or place of worship to honor those who had lost their lives.
Despite the differing opinions, the return of previous tenants and the implementation of enhanced security measures demonstrated a collective commitment to moving forward and restoring normalcy.
Ownership and Security Measures
The Westgate Shopping Mall is owned by Sony Holdings, an Israeli-based company founded by Alex Trachtenberg and Vishiali Madan.
In 2013, the company faced a trade name dispute against Sony Corporation, a Japanese electronics giant, regarding the exclusive trademark registration of ‘Sony’ in Kenya.
Ultimately, Sony Holdings’ attempt to register the trademark was unsuccessful.
In 2014, the mall’s management company enlisted the services of IRG, an Israeli security company, to enhance security protocols and train personnel within the mall.
These measures aimed to reassure shoppers and employees of their safety and prevent future incidents, reflecting the commitment to maintaining a secure environment for visitors.
