NAIROBI, March 2 (NNN-KBC) — Emergency teams continue their efforts to combat wildfires across multiple protected forest areas and national parks.
According to the latest update from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), while several fires have been contained, others remain active in Nairobi and Ruma National Parks.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fires, which are believed to have been triggered by human activities and the extreme dry conditions
“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”, KWS stated.
To prevent further outbreaks, KWS has enhanced both aerial and ground patrols in high-risk zones. Firefighting units, including helicopters, have been deployed, and firebreaks and cutlines are being created to help isolate and control the spread of the fires.
Additionally, KWS, in collaboration with local communities, county governments, and partners, is strengthening response networks. The Service has issued a toll-free telephone number, 0800 597 000, and a WhatsApp number, 0726 610509, for the public to report fire incidents.
Active firefighting efforts are ongoing at Nairobi National Park, where a second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area was reported on Feb 28 at 4 PM.
“KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers are on-site,” said KWS.
The first fire, located near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, was swiftly contained through collaboration between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Nairobi County Government.
Similar efforts are underway at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County. The Nyoyo fire, which ignited Friday evening, is still active.
“The Nyoyo fire, which ignited yesterday evening, is ongoing. Teams are poised to mobilize at first light to suppress the blaze before temperatures rise. Rapid containment remains a priority,” it added.
Other parks affected include the Aberdare Ecosystem, specifically between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill, where the fire has been put under control after KWS deployed ground teams and helicopters to access remote areas. This follows three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week.
Rapid response teams have faced significant challenges, particularly in South Island National Park (Loiyangalani, Marsabit County), where 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. The rugged terrain and strong winds complicated firefighting efforts.
“The Mt. Elgon fire highlighted the risks to ecologically sensitive zones like bamboo forests, while the South Island blaze underscored the challenges posed by rugged terrain and adverse weather,” KWS said.
Rangers remain on high alert, coordinating additional firefighting efforts to prevent flare-ups.
In 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.
The blazes at Tsavo West National Park and the Aberdare Ecosystem have been fully contained, though vigilance continues.
KWS has meanwhile hailed the multi-agency efforts. “Collaborative efforts remain vital to safeguarding Kenya’s ecosystems and wildlife. The successful suppression of the Mt Elgon fire demonstrates the importance of rapid inter-agency coordination, particularly in ecologically fragile areas”. — NNN-KBC