Kenya battles surge in wildfires as 180 blazes recorded in two months
KFS officials warn that the fire season, driven by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, is expected to last until mid-March.
Kenya is witnessing a surge in forest fires, with 180 incidents recorded since January, according to a new report by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
The fires have destroyed over 1,357 hectares of vegetation in protected areas, including the Maasai Mau, North Rift, Coast, Central Highlands (Mt Kenya and Aberdares), and Eastern Conservancies.
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KFS officials warn that the fire season, driven by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, is expected to last until mid-March.
"The rapid drying up of vegetation and the accumulation of combustible materials is further exacerbating the situation," KFS said in a statement dated February 27, 2025.
The crisis has escalated over the past week, with fires reported in Isiolo, Garissa, and several coastal regions.
The KFS has issued a high fire danger rating across all its stations and deployed additional resources, working alongside community forest associations, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local government teams to contain the blazes.
In response, KFS has suspended all burning of vegetation near or within forested areas.
"Individuals intending to burn vegetation near forest reserves must provide written notification 48 hours in advance to the nearest KFS or police station," the agency stated.
More equipment deployed
To strengthen its firefighting capacity, KFS has deployed more equipment, pick-up vehicles and troop carriers.
It has also recalled all staff on leave and implemented a smoke detection system to improve fire monitoring in Mt Kenya, Aberdares, and Mau.
On Wednesday, two separate fires were reported in Mt Kenya Forest at Gathiuri and Muringato forest stations, areas considered fire hotspots during dry seasons.
KFS Nyeri County Conservator Esther Mugo said the fire at Gathiuri, which started around 4 pm on Tuesday, was suspected to be arson.
It destroyed 150 hectares of grassland overnight.
"The incident is suspected to be an arson case, as the fire was spotted in two separate locations," Mugo said.
She added that some community members believe burning grassland encourages regrowth, improving grazing conditions.
Forest ecosystems disrupt
Mugo cautioned that such practices disrupt forest ecosystems and biodiversity. Efforts by KFS officers and community members to contain the blaze were hampered by strong winds and darkness.
In the Aberdare Forest, teams battled another fire in the Embaringo section on Thursday.
KWS Senior Assistant Director in the Mountain Conservation Area, Lucy Mwati, said the fire was the latest in a series of outbreaks reported over the past week.
"We have experienced three fires in the Aberdares since last week. Every time we contain one, another breaks out in a different area due to the hot weather," she said.
Meanwhile, another wildfire, whose cause remains unclear, has consumed several acres of vegetation at a section of Lolldaiga Conservancy in Laikipia County.
The fire started at the southern part of the 45,000-acre conservancy at midday on Wednesday, prompting the management to seek support from the local community to put it out.
KFS has assured the public that it remains on high alert and fully prepared to handle further outbreaks.
Although recent fires in the Mau, Mt Kenya, and Aberdare forests have been contained, KFS warns that the fire risk remains high and could persist until mid-March.
The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire to the nearest Forest Station.
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