Kenyan emergency teams continue to combat wildfires across multiple protected areas, with new developments underscoring both progress and persistent challenges. The latest was at the Nairobi National Park where two fires erupted on Thursday, Kenya Wildlife Service said.
The first one was near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass , which was swiftly contained through collaboration between the KWS and Nairobi County Government.
A second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area, reported at Friday 4:00 PM and remains under active containment.
KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers rushed to the site on February 28 to early March 2.
At the Aberdare Ecosystem, a significant fire between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill prompted KWS to deploy ground teams and helicopters to access remote zones.
This follows three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week, now contained.
KWS said at Ruma National Park (Homa Bay County), the Nyoyo fire, which ignited Thursday evening, went on to Saturday “Teams are poised to mobilize at first light to suppress the blaze before temperatures rise. Rapid containment remains a priority,” a statement said.
At the South Island National Park (Loiyangalani, Marsabit County), a bushfire that ignited on February 17, 2025, in the Marti Esse plains (proposed ASHE Conservancy) burned approximately 60 square kilometers before being extinguished after four days.
Rugged terrain and strong winds complicated efforts.
At the Mt Elgon National Park, a fire that erupted in the Kimothon Forest near Saum in the forest reserve sparked major concern as it advanced toward critical bamboo forests and the park’s peak.
Swift action by KWS and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers successfully suppressed the blaze.
“Rangers remain on high alert, coordinating further firefighting efforts to prevent flare-ups.”
KWS said at the Tsavo West National Park, the fires that broke out were contained. At the Aberdare Ecosystem, previous outbreaks in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare are under control, though vigilance continues, KWS added.
“While the exact causes of the Aberdare, South Island, and Mt Elgon fires remain under investigation, human activities (discarded cigarettes, arson, honey harvesting) and extreme dry conditions are suspected contributors.”
“The Mt Elgon fire highlighted risks to ecologically sensitive zones like bamboo forests, while the South Island blaze underscored challenges posed by rugged terrain and adverse weather,” the statement said.
KWS has outlined strategies to curb further outbreaks which include enhanced aerial and ground patrols in high-risk zones, rapid deployment of firefighting units, including helicopters, collaboration with communities, county governments, and partners to bolster response networks and creation of firebreaks and cutlines to isolate future fires.
Residents and visitors are urged to adhere to emergency directives, avoid activities that could spark fires (e.g., open flames, discarded cigarettes) and report fire hazards immediately to KWS toll free telephone number 0800 597 000 and WhatsApp number 0726661509
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