Firefighting teams from KWS, KDF, KFS, volunteers’ and county governments battling the fires. PHOTO/KWS.. By JEOL MWASI. [email protected]. Over the past few days, several national parks managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have been ravaged by a series of wildfires, posing a significant threat to Kenya’s delicate ecosystems and wildlife.. According to KWS, the outbreaks have spurred emergency responses from various agencies, including KWS, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), local volunteers, county governments, and community members, all working tirelessly to combat the infernos.. KWS, the state agency responsible for the management of national parks and wildlife reserves across Kenya, has issued updates on the situation, revealing the scale of the ongoing crisis and the progress being made.. However, the severity of the wildfires continues to pose a significant challenge, with many regions still under active containment efforts. As of the latest reports, KWS has been mobilising its resources to battle the blazes in various regions, with varying levels of success.. KWS said on Thursday, two separate fires broke out within the Nairobi National Park. The first fire, located near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, was swiftly contained thanks to the coordinated efforts of KWS and the Nairobi County Government.. However, a second blaze erupted in the Athi Basin Dam area at 4:00 PM, and it remains an ongoing firefighting operation. Ground teams, supported by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers, are working tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further spread.. In the Aberdare ecosystem a significant fire broke out between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill, a region already facing the lingering effects of three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare.. KWS said it has deployed both ground teams and helicopters to access these remote areas, as the rugged terrain complicates firefighting efforts. Fortunately, these smaller fires have been contained, although vigilance remains high.. It said at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County, a fire known as the “Nyoyo fire” ignited yesterday evening, creating a race against time for firefighting teams to suppress the blaze before rising temperatures make containment more difficult. These teams are already mobilised and ready to take swift action at first light.. KWS said South Island National Park in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County had also been affected. It said a bushfire ignited on February 17, 2025, in the Marti Esse plains, which are part of the proposed ASHE Conservancy.. Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, touring some of the affected parks. PHOTO/KWS. This blaze burned for four days, covering an area of approximately 60 square kilometres. Though the fire has now been extinguished, the rugged terrain and strong winds made it particularly challenging for firefighting efforts.. KWS noted that while the wildfires are a serious concern, there have been notable successes in containing some of the blazes. It added that at Mt Elgon National Park, a fire that broke out in the Kimothon Forest near Saum within the forest reserve was a significant cause for concern.. The fire quickly spread toward the park’s critical bamboo forests and its peak, threatening one of the most ecologically sensitive areas of the park. Thanks to swift action by KWS and KFS rangers, the blaze was successfully suppressed. Rangers remain on high alert, continuing their efforts to prevent flare-ups in the area.. KWS also revealed that at Tsavo West National Park, a fire that broke out recently in Tsavo West has been fully contained, much to the relief of conservationists and park authorities.. “This marks a major victory in the ongoing fight against wildfires in Kenya’s national parks,” KWS said.. It said in Aberdare ecosystem despite some recent outbreaks, such as those in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare, these fires have been successfully contained.. “However, the situation remains fluid, and the risk of new outbreaks remains a serious concern,” it added.. The exact causes of the wildfires in various parks are still under investigation. However, a range of factors is believed to contribute to the outbreak of these fires.. Human activities such as discarded cigarettes, arson, and honey harvesting, as well as extreme dry conditions exacerbated by the ongoing dry season, are suspected to play a role.. In particular, the fire in the Mt Elgon region highlighted the risks posed to ecologically sensitive areas, such as bamboo forests, which are incredibly vulnerable to fire damage.. Similarly, the fire in South Island National Park underscored the difficulties posed by rugged terrain, which made firefighting efforts much more challenging. The strong winds and difficult conditions made it harder to contain the blaze quickly.. A WhatsApp hotline and a toll-free number to report fire outbreaks have been provided by KWS. PHOTO/KWS. KWS has outlined a series of strategies to curb the impact of the fires and prevent future outbreaks. These measures include enhanced aerial and ground patrols and increased surveillance in high-risk zones to monitor and respond to potential threats.. There is also rapid deployment of firefighting units and the use of helicopters and ground firefighting teams for quicker containment and collaboration with local communities and working closely with county Governments and conservation partners to strengthen response efforts.. In an effort to further understand and address the crisis, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, is expected to visit Nairobi National Park.. She is set to assess the situation first-hand and hold a briefing to provide updates on the response efforts. Her visit will also include a morale-boosting session with the firefighters and other emergency teams on the ground, acknowledging their tireless efforts.. In light of the ongoing crisis, KWS has issued a public advisory urging residents and visitors to adhere to emergency directives. The public is urged to avoid activities that could potentially ignite fires, such as lighting open flames or discarding cigarettes.. Those who observe potential fire hazards are encouraged to immediately report them to KWS through their toll-free number 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp number 0726610509.. The ongoing support from KDF, KFS rangers, volunteers, local communities, and county agencies has been crucial in the battle against these devastating fires. Their collaborative efforts are vital to safeguarding Kenya’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the survival of its unique wildlife.. The ongoing dry season presents a real and ongoing risk to Kenya’s national parks, and the need for continued vigilance and community engagement has never been more pressing.. Together, through swift action, inter-agency cooperation, and public awareness, Kenya can protect its natural heritage from the devastating effects of wildfires.
