By Jane Pendo.
Kenya has in recent past experienced a series of wildfires in several of our national parks and protected areas. These fires have posed a significant threat to our wildlife, ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these natural resources.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our firefighters KWS rangers, and partners, ALL wildfires across the country have been successfully contained, except for one ongoing fire in Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County. I have no doubt that this too will be contained soon.
There are several of our national parks and protected areas that have been dealt with conclusively by KWS so far. Two fires erupted on Thursday. The first, near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, was swiftly contained through collaboration between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Nairobi County Government.
A second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area was also successfully contained. A significant fire between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill prompted KWS to deploy ground teams and helicopters to access remote zones.
This followed three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi and Gatare over the past week that have now been contained.
In Ruma National Park (Homa Bay County the Nyoyo fire, which ignited on Friday evening is being battled by KWS and all indicators are that it will soon be put off. Meanwhile, in South Island National Park (Loiyangalani, Marsabit County), a bushfire that ignited on February 17, 2025, in the Marti Esse plains burned approximately 60 sq km before being extinguished after four days.
The lag in containing the infernal was due to the rugged terrain and strong winds. In Mt. Elgon National Park a fire erupted in the Kimothon Forest near Saum in the forest reserve sparked major concern as it advanced toward critical bamboo forests and the parks peak.
Swift action by KWS and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers successfully suppressed the blaze.The Tsavo West National Park fire that broke out on Friday has been fully contained.
But how do these fires come about? Some are caused during honey gathering when individuals harvesting honey in protected areas spark fires off. Also farm clearing close to parks by farmers preparing land for cultivation is a threat just as outright arson is.
In some cases, fires are set in the belief that they attract rain. Besides, smokers carelessly discarding cigarette butts, particularly in dry and vulnerable areas pose a huge threat of wildfire breakouts.
Kenya experiences two major fire seasons annually between January and March and August and September.
Vigilance and swift response are critical during these periods to detect and extinguish fires before they spread. The public should avoid careless behaviours, such as discarding cigarette butts that could spark wildfires.
It is gratifying that the government has mobilised all necessary resources to address the wildfire crisis including deployment of firefighting teams, collaboration with partners such as KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
There is also community engagement where local communities play a critical role in reporting fires and supporting firefighting efforts as well as taking long-term measures such as reviewing and strengthening fire management strategies to prevent future outbreaks by KWS.
Wildfires pose a significant threat to Kenyas biodiversity. They destroy habitats, displace wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, preliminary reports indicate that some wildlife has been affected.
KWS is working to rescue and rehabilitate injured animals, and we are committed to restoring affected habitats once the fires are fully contained.
This crisis underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. I call upon all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire outbreaks to the relevant authorities. Let us also remember that prevention is key.
Simple actions, such as avoiding activities that could spark fires and responsibly disposing of cigarette butts, can go a long way in protecting our natural heritage.
Kenyas wildlife and natural landscapes are a source of national pride and a cornerstone of our tourism industry. The government remains fully committed to safeguarding these resources for current and future generations.
Pendo is a Nairobi-based climate change expert
