Unprecedented wildfires have devastated parts of Mount Kenya National Park, destroying nearly 20,000 hectares of land and killing wildlife. The fires, which have intensified in 2019, represent one of the most severe outbreaks in recent years. While seasonal variations in weather typically influence fire frequency and scale, this year has seen over 100 separate forest fires reported across the region.
Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse ecosystems. The park features lakes, glaciers, dense forests, mineral springs, and rare species like the African elephant and mountain bongo. Conservationists warn that repeated wildfires threaten this fragile environment, which has historically experienced periodic but less extensive blazes.
