A new fire has erupted in Mount Kenya National Park, reigniting concerns as authorities grapple with multiple ongoing blazes across the region. This follows the recent suppression of a massive wildfire that scorched more than 120,000 hectares of forest and moorland, primarily affecting Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Laikipia counties.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) confirmed the resurgence near Chogoria park entrance on Friday, suspecting smoldering stumps, dead wood, or roots as potential causes. Forest Chief Conservator Monica Kalenda stated that KFS officers and Community Forest Association (CFA) personnel are working to prevent further damage.
Meanwhile, fires persist in the Aberdare Range, particularly in the Sofia area of Geta Forest. Despite efforts by 68 firefighters from KFS, CFA, and Rhino Ark, and heavy rains on Sunday, flames remain active in challenging terrain marked by cliffs and gorges. A separate blaze also emerged in Aberdare moorland near Embaringo, straddling Nyeri and Nyandarua counties.
The initial Mount Kenya fire, which occurred last week, severely impacted the moorland ecosystem. KFS reported that while efforts on Thursday afternoon temporarily suppressed the flames, renewed activity at cliff faces has complicated containment. The Aberdare fires have affected Ndaragua, Geta, and Shamata forest stations.
