Forest Fires Erupt in Aberdare and Mount Kenya

Teams from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and local communities are currently engaged in a fierce battle against significant forest fires in both Aberdare and Mount Kenya. The fires, which broke out earlier this week, are reported to be affecting five locations—four in Aberdare and one in Mount Kenya.

Lucy Muita, the KWS officer in charge of the mountain region, confirmed that the cause of the fires remains unknown. She stated that they are utilizing helicopters and ground rangers to contain the infernos, which are believed to have been ignited by honey hunters or farmers clearing land.

“At the moment, we cannot assess the acreage affected by the fire; however, I assure Kenyans that we are on top of things and have managed to contain the first fire that broke out at Solio Ranch,” said Muita.

Muita added that wildlife in both forests remains safe, though they have been displaced due to the fires. “So far, we have conducted aerial surveys at Solio Ranch and found no animals have been killed by the fire. Our wildlife is safe, even though there are significant fires in their habitat,” she noted.

The officer urged local communities living near the forests to exercise caution during this fire season, emphasizing that any mismanagement of fires can lead to devastating consequences.