At least 85 per cent of the ongoing fire in the Mount Kenya Forest has been contained with efforts now shifting to mopping up the affected areas to prevent fresh outbreaks.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa, said the current fire, which has affected more than 3,000 hectares, mainly in the moorland, is the biggest of five fire incidents recorded in the forest since August 12 this year.
The other incidents were reported on August 12, 22, 24 and 25, with the latest outbreak occurring on September 1.
She said the fires have been aggravated by dense vegetation which grew following last season rains, coupled with invasive plant species and strong winds, which have propagated spreading of flames across the forest.
She said they have adopted a whole-of-government approach to contain the fire, bringing together the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), development partners, conservancies and local communities.
“The response has involved more than 400 personnel, including about 144 Kenya Defence Forces officers and 100 Kenya Forest Service personnel, alongside members of conservancies and local communities,” said Dr Barasa.
The KFS, which is leading the incident management team, has also deployed teams to map fire hotspots and monitor the spread and intensity of the fire.
“We have managed to suppress about 85 per cent of the fire and repress its intensity, but we are not yet out of the woods,” the KFS said.
The CS commended local communities for joining the firefighting efforts, saying their understanding of the terrain and the importance of Mount Kenya as a water tower and source of climate resilience had greatly contributed to the containment efforts.
She said investigations were ongoing to establish the causes of the fires and identify factors that could help prevent similar incidents in future.
The findings, she added, will inform mitigation measures, including training of communities on fire prevention and management.
Dr Barasa said there had been no reports of human casualties, while most wildlife had moved away from the affected areas, with no significant cases of wild animals being affected reported so far.
She noted that Mount Kenya Forest contributes significantly to the local economy, with activities associated with the forest estimated to inject about Sh3.9 billion into the economy.
According to the CS, the latest fire had also exposed critical gaps in forest fire preparedness, particularly accessibility to difficult-to-reach areas.
“There is need to ring-fence resources for forest protection because these resources are critical. More resources are needed to improve access to high and hard-to-reach areas through expansion of roads,” said Dr Barasa.
She reinforced the need to have an Airstrip to facilitate rapid deployment of firefighting equipment and personnel during such emergencies.
“An airstrip would also support conservation activities, including the movement of biodiversity and transportation of injured wildlife when necessary,” said Dr Barasa.
Dr Barasa said mapping of forest fire hotspots would be enhanced to ensure response teams are stationed strategically and can act quickly whenever an outbreak occurs.
The Service noted that forest fires were normally experienced during two major seasons, around July to September in Mount Kenya region and January in Western region, and that contingency plans and early mitigation measures were usually put in place ahead of the periods.
However, she added , community practices, dense vegetation and invasive plant species can increase the risk and spread of fires.
The CS said the Ministry was already working on restoration measures for the affected areas, including exploring aerial seeding and other innovative approaches to accelerate forest recovery especially during the upcoming Mazingira day celebrations next month.
The Ministry also plans to use activities such as national environmental restoration initiatives to mobilise communities and other stakeholders in restoring the affected sections of the forest.
The CS said they were also working with the Kenya Meteorological Department to strengthen preparedness and take advantage of weather forecasts, including possible El Niño conditions, in planning restoration and conservation activities.
She called for continued collaboration among government agencies, communities, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen forest conservation and ensure the protection of Mount Kenya as a critical water tower and biodiversity resource.
By Dickson Mwiti
