Al-Shabaab attacks in Kenya in 2026: where they happen, why, and how to stay safe

Kenya has faced attacks by al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based armed group linked to al-Qaeda, for more than a decade. In 2026 the violence has been concentrated in the counties along the Somali border, mostly against police and soldiers.

What has happened in 2026

• 13 July

  Kenyan forces raid a suspected camp near the border, killing 11 fighters and, police say, stopping a planned attack on a village.

• 24 July

  Gunmen strike two Mandera villages, Fino and Arabia, within an hour.

• 28 July

  At least five officers (four Special Operations Group officers and a police reservist) are killed when their vehicle hits a roadside bomb near Kutulo, Mandera, and the team is ambushed. A second bomb destroys a reinforcement vehicle. Al-Shabaab claims the attack.

• 9 October

  The Hagadera police division commander and his driver are killed when their vehicle hits a roadside bomb on the Saretho–Dadaab road in Garissa County.

• October

  Security forces launch operations in Mandera and Garissa, searching roads and border areas and making arrests.

Why al-Shabaab targets Kenya

1. Kenya's troops in Somalia. Kenya sent troops into Somalia in October 2011 and still serves in the African Union mission there (now called AUSSOM). Analysts say the group wants to raise the cost of that mission at home.
2. A long, open border. The roughly 700 km frontier is hard to police. The Lafey corridor in Mandera is named as a main route for fighters.
3. Roadside bombs are cheap. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried on supply roads let a small group hit armoured vehicles without a stand-up fight.
4. Recruitment. The National Counter Terrorism Centre warns that economic hardship, marginalisation and limited education leave some young people open to recruitment.

The attacks Kenya remembers

Since then, most attacks have moved away from big cities to the border counties, though police report foiling plots aimed at Nairobi.

What it means for ordinary Kenyans

• Travel in the north-east: follow police advisories on roads in Mandera, Garissa, Wajir and Lamu, and avoid travelling at night on routes with recent attacks.
• Report, don't share: if you see something suspicious, call 999 or 112, or report anonymously to the DCI on the toll-free line 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000. Do not forward graphic images or unverified claims, which spread fear and can help the attackers.
• Know the signs of recruitment: sudden withdrawal from family, new contacts promising money or jobs abroad, and extremist material online. Talk to a trusted elder, religious leader or chief.

Related: Kenya's military strength in 2026 · Uganda and the Somalia mission.