“One reason for this is that schools are soft targets, often with sparse defenses and the potential to garner a great deal of attention. (Al-Shabab was also behind the September 2013 attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi—another soft target.) They also often provide an opportunity to attack the government, since many schools are public institutions, including Garissa University College.
Second, the attack fits with the increasing regionalization of conflicts with terror groups. Al-Shabab began in Somalia, but as neighboring countries like Kenya have gotten involved in the fight against them, they have transformed from a domestic rebellion to a regional menace.”
Source: Terrorists Are Turning Their Sights on Schools and Students – Defense One
