Twenty-seven years after the devastating 1998 U.S. embassy bombing, the site in downtown Nairobi serves as a powerful memorial, but for many survivors and victims’ families, the fight for justice and compensation continues.

The attack that occurred on August 7, 1998 led to the death of 213 people and injured over 4,000, living a deep scar on the city and its people.

Most of the casualties were Kenyan citizens who were either working at the embassy or in adjacent buildings.

While the American government has indicted and convicted several key al-Qaeda members for the attack, a significant number of Kenyan survivors feel they have been left behind.

In recent years, victims’ advocacy groups have renewed calls for the U.S. government to establish a compensation fund to cover ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial hardships resulting from the bombing.

They argue that while the U.S. has provided some aid and helped create the memorial park, it has not adequately addressed the long-term suffering of the local community.

The legal battle has also seen some developments, as a U.S. federal court ordered Iran and Sudan to pay billions in damages to victims, based on their alleged support for al-Qaeda.

However, collecting these funds has proven difficult, and many survivors are still waiting for tangible relief.

The 25th anniversary of the bombing in 2023 was marked by a renewed push for legislation in the U.S. Congress to provide direct financial support to the Kenyan victims.

For many, the memory of that day remains vivid, and the memorial park offers a place for reflection. Yet, the ongoing struggle for compensation highlights the lasting impact of the attack and the unresolved issues facing its most affected victims.