Kenya: Mount Kenya wildfire contained at 85% after one week

Kenyan authorities say they have contained 85% of the wildfire burning the moorlands of Mount Kenya since 1 September. Operations continue at the hotspots across the massif, where teams are still working to prevent flare-ups.

The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, stated on Tuesday 8 September that over 3,000 hectares had been affected, mainly in the high-altitude moorlands. She described this fire as the largest of five outbreaks recorded in the forest since 12 August.

However, the exact extent of the burned areas remains differently assessed by those involved on the ground. Rhino Ark Charitable Trust estimated on 6 September that about 8,700 hectares of moorland had burned. The organization places the fire’s origin near Rutundu Lodge and reports that the northern front has been controlled, while efforts have focused on the southern part of the massif.

More than 400 people have been mobilized in fighting the fire, according to authorities, including around 144 military personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces and 100 agents from the Kenya Forest Service. The Kenya Wildlife Service, conservation organizations, and local communities are also participating, with aerial support for reconnaissance of affected areas.

No human fatalities had been reported by Tuesday. The minister said most animals had been able to move away from affected zones and that no significant loss of large wildlife had been recorded. Mount Kenya is both a major biodiversity reservoir and a vital water tower for local populations and agricultural activities.

Authorities attribute the rapid spread of flames to dense, very dry vegetation, invasive plants, and strong winds. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the various fire outbreaks. The government is also considering improving access to high-altitude areas and enhancing rapid deployment capabilities for firefighting teams.

On Tuesday, the Kenya Forest Service continued mapping the fire sites and surveillance operations to prevent any resurgence in already controlled sectors. Authorities had not yet announced the cause of the fire declared on 1 September.