The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Saturday, March 1 morning provided an update on the status of wildfires across multiple protected areas in the country.
Two fires broke out at the Nairobi National Park on Thursday, February 27. The first, near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, was swiftly contained through collaboration between the KWS and Nairobi County Government.
However, KWS says that the second blaze — in the Athi Basin Dam area, reported at 4:00 PM — remains under active containment. KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers are on-site.
Aberdare ecosystem
KWS says that it deployed ground teams and helicopters to access remote zones after a significant fire broke out between Karuru Falls and Elephant Hill, within the expansive Aberdare ecosystem.
This fire outbreak follows three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week, which have now been contained.
Ruma National Park
KWS says the fire that broke out at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County on Friday evening is still ongoing.
The Service is mobilising a multi-agency team to suppress the Nyoyo fire before temperatures rise. “Rapid containment remains a priority.”
South Island National Park (Loiyangalani, Marsabit County)
KWS notes that a bushfire that ignited on February 17, 2025, in the Marti Esse plains (proposed ASHE Conservancy) burned approximately 60 sq km before being extinguished after four days. Rugged terrain and strong winds complicated efforts.
Containment progress
Mt Elgon National Park: A fire that erupted in the Kimothon Forest, near Saum in the forest reserve sparked major concern as it advanced toward critical bamboo forests and the park’s peak. Swift action by KWS and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers successfully suppressed the blaze. Rangers remain on high alert, coordinating further firefighting efforts to prevent flare-ups.
Tsavo West National Park: Yesterday’s fires have been fully contained.
Aberdare Ecosystem: Previous outbreaks in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare are under control, though vigilance continues.
While the exact causes of the Aberdare, South Island, and Mt Elgon fires remain under investigation, human activities (discarded cigarettes, arson, honey harvesting) and extreme dry conditions are suspected contributors. The Mt Elgon fire highlighted risks to ecologically sensitive zones like bamboo forests, while the South Island blaze underscored challenges posed by rugged terrain and adverse weather.
KWS has outlined strategies to curb further outbreaks: Enhanced aerial and ground patrols in high-risk zones, Rapid deployment of firefighting units, including helicopters, Collaboration with communities, county governments, and partners to bolster response networks, and Creation of firebreaks and cutlines to isolate future fires.
The KWS is now urging residents and visitors to adhere to emergency directives, avoid activities that could spark fires (e.g. open flames, discarded cigarettes), and report fire hazards immediately to KWS toll free telephone number 0800 597 000 and WhatsApp number 0726 610509.
