Team formed to speed up revival of Westgate mall

The Westgate Shopping Mall, which was attacked by terrorists on Saturday. FILE 

In Summary

• The committee will also identify immediate action the Government needs to take to avert possible job losses resulting from the terrorist attack that left at least 67 people dead and hundreds injured.
  Before the attack

By AFP
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A committee was Thursday formed to evaluate damages at the Westgate mall and advise on its restoration as it emerged that it would take at least a month to clear the rubble.

(VIDEO: Westgate mall after the attack)

The team comprises stakeholders who will advise on the immediate action that should be taken to rapidly restore the mall and businesses that were brought down in the September 21 attack. 

East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie (below) said her ministry wanted to bring the mall back into operation as soon as possible.

“The government is committed to ensuring Westgate Mall operations resume in the shortest time possible through a public-private partnership model,” she said.

The Cabinet Secretary was speaking at her officer yesterday during a forum comprising Westgate tenants and stakeholders, who are involved in the restoration.

The meeting sought to explore ways and means of easing economic losses arising from the mall’s closure while considering ways of quickly restoring normal operations.

The committee will also identify immediate action the Government needs to take to avert possible job losses resulting from the terrorist attack that left at least 67 people dead and hundreds injured.
Before the attack

At the meeting were Deacons Kenya chief executive Wahome Muchiri, KCB chairman Ngeny Biwott, Nakumatt Holdings managing director Atul Shah, Italian Menswear managing director Faiyaz Kurji and Art Caffe/Onami managing director Sagi Vaknin.

Nairobi deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke also attended with the county Executive Committee Member for Trade Industrialisation, Co-operative Development and Tourism Anne Othoro.

Aslo present were Insurance Regulatory Authority director-general Sammy Makove and Association of Kenya Insurers boss Tom Gichuhi.

Before the attack, the mall generated more than Sh100 billion in annual turnover and accounted for over 2,000 jobs.

Reports say the mall was insured for Sh6.6 billion, with the policy covering terrorist attacks.