The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) spent nine days battling a wildfire on Mount Kenya, citing inaccessibility and insufficient firefighting equipment as major obstacles. Rangers resorted to using spades and twigs to combat the flames, according to reports.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko visited affected areas in Tharaka Nithi County last week, accompanied by KFS acting chief conservator Monica Kalenda. The tour followed the fire's destruction of over 100,000 hectares of moorland.
Tobiko highlighted challenges including strong winds, limited personnel, and difficult terrain in suppressing the blaze. He urged all six counties in the Mount Kenya ecosystem to adopt a unified strategy for future fire management, emphasizing the need for institutional capacity building and better resource allocation.
Fire monitoring through the Modis Fire Information System revealed ongoing dry season risks, with the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) maintaining heightened alert status. Alerts are shared with KFS and Kenya Wildlife Service to facilitate rapid response.
Christian Lambrechts of Rhino Ark Charitable Trust attributed the fires to forest encroachment but acknowledged private sector contributions. 'Private companies provided critical equipment and skills,' he stated, noting the significant resources mobilized during the crisis.
