Wildfires are raging through six of the country’s national parks, prompting an urgent response from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as firefighters battle the blazes amid an ongoing dry season.
In an update posted on X on Saturday, March 1, 2025, KWS detailed the extent of the wildfires, which have scorched vast swathes of protected land, threatening wildlife and delicate ecosystems.
Emergency response teams, including KWS rangers, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), county governments, and volunteers, have been mobilized to contain the fires.
Fires across the parks
Among the affected areas is Nairobi National Park, where two separate fires ignited on Thursday.
While the first, near Wilson Airport, was swiftly extinguished, a second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area remains under active containment efforts.
“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 Nairobi County Government. A second blaze in the Athi Basin Dam area, reported at 4:00 PM, remains under active containment. KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers are on-site,” KWS said.
In the Aberdare ecosystem, a major fire between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill prompted KWS to deploy both ground teams and aerial support.
This follows a series of smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week, all of which have since been brought under control.
“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 stated.
Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County has also been affected, with a fire in the Nyoyo region continuing to burn. KWS teams are expected to intensify suppression efforts at first light before high temperatures exacerbate the situation.
“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,” KWS updated.
Elsewhere, in South Island National Park in Marsabit County, a bushfire that began on February 17 burned through approximately 60 square kilometers before being extinguished after four days. The rugged terrain and strong winds complicated containment efforts.
“A bushfire that ignited on February 17, 2025, in the Marti Esse plains (proposed ASHE Conservancy) burned approximately 60 sq km before being extinguished after four days. Rugged terrain and strong winds complicated efforts.”
Containment efforts and challenges
Despite the challenges posed by the dry conditions, KWS reported significant progress in containing fires in some areas.
In Mt. Elgon National Park, a blaze that broke out in Kimothon Forest threatened crucial bamboo habitats, but swift intervention by KWS and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers prevented further spread.
“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.
Similarly, fires in Tsavo West National Park have now been fully contained.
KWS suspects human activity, such as discarded cigarettes, arson, and honey harvesting, may be contributing to the outbreak of fires, exacerbated by the ongoing dry spell.
“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,” KWS observed.
Mitigation strategies
In response to the growing wildfire crisis, KWS has outlined several strategies to curb further outbreaks, including enhanced aerial and ground patrols, rapid deployment of firefighting units, and the establishment of firebreaks in high-risk zones.
Residents and visitors have been urged to adhere to fire safety protocols, avoid open flames, and immediately report fire hazards.
KWS has provided a toll-free emergency number (0800 597 000) and a WhatsApp contact (0726 610509) for swift action.
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