The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Compensation of the Kenyan Victims of the 1998 Bombing of the United States of America Embassy in Nairobi has today considered and adopted its report. 

This comes after the Senator Agnes Kavindu-led Committee held sittings with the victims, lawyers and representatives of the victims, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Cabinet Secretary for Health, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. 

The Members of the Committee also considered submissions from Kituo Cha Sheria, the Kenya Red Cross Society, Amref Health Africa, Adventist Development Relief Agency Kenya, Kenya Society for the Blind, Ernst and Young and Dr Linda Musumba of DLM Advocates, who were involved in the emergency and recovery efforts of the bombing victims. 

While attending the Ad Hoc Committee's working and report writing retreat in Nakuru County earlier today, the Members of the Committee expressed their satisfaction with the work that they have been able to accomplish so far. 

They, however, sought the Senate's indulgence in adding more time to enable them to secure an appointment and put forward Kenya’s case for compensation in the US Congress.

"The Committee has not managed to secure an appointment with the members of US Congress. We need to seek an extension on the Floor of the House so that we can see this matter through," Senator Johnes Mwaruma said. 

"Committee operations in the Senate were suspended by the Speaker during the Christmas break which affected our work. The Senate should consider extending the life of the Ad Hoc Committee so that we lobby with the members of the US Congress," added Senator Beatrice Ogolla.  

The Senators pledged to ensure the continued pursuit of compensation for the victims by lobbying Congress to enact changes in legislation to enable Kenyan victims to access the compensation. 

The Chairperson will subsequently table the interim report on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 14th February 2024.