Push to restore Westgate Mall gathers steam

By LILLIAN KIARIE  and RAWLINGS OTIENO 

Nairobi, Kenya: A committee pushing for rapid restoration of the Westgate Shopping Mall will begin public hearings from next week.

The 16-member committee chaired by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, will receive information from the public, suppliers, businessmen and retailers whose property was lost during the incident.

The efforts are geared towards reviving business activities in the mall, which generated more than Sh100 billion in annual turnover and accounted for over 2,000 jobs.

The team is to report back to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie by the end of February on how fast the mall can once again open its doors to the public.

Wahome Muchiri, the committee’s vice chair, said their mandate is to advice the Government on security concerns around various malls across the country and build confidence among the public that once the premise is opened, security will be very tight.

“This committee is devoted to the mall’s restoration and we appeal to the public to submit any information that will help us fast-track efforts in restoring public confidence,” said Wahome.

Addressing the Press at the Teleposta buildings in Nairobi yesterday, the Muchiri reiterated that the committee will among other things visit the beleaguered mall to ascertain the extent of destruction.

According to Muchiri, retailers, suppliers and owners of various businesses were among the worst affected and asked for their contribution towards the committee’s work.