NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has carried out an aerial surveillance operation over the Mau Forest Complex to assess emerging fire risks during the ongoing dry season and to detect any illegal activities within the ecosystem.
The operation covered key forest blocks including Eburu, Sururu, Kuresoi, Londiani, Makutano, Majimazuri, Logoman, Koibatek, Teret, Likia, Kiptunga, Nasrasha, Esegeri, and Mariashoni.
Led by the KFS Fire Department Project Manager, Patrick Ithinji, and accompanied by Philip Ndiema, the aerial survey aimed to provide real-time monitoring of fire-prone areas and reinforce early warning measures.
KFS Conducts Aerial Surveillance Over Mau Forest Complex to Monitor Fire ThreatsThe Kenya Forest Service (KFS) conducted an aerial surveillance operation over the Mau Forest Complex to assess emerging forest fire threats during the ongoing dry season and to monitor any illegal
The Kenya Forest Service reaffirmed its commitment to proactive fire management and strengthened surveillance to protect the country’s forest resources during the high-risk season.
“Through aerial monitoring, we can detect potential threats early and take timely action to prevent large-scale forest fires,” the Service said in a statement.
Kenya’s forests have experienced an increase in wildfire activity in recent seasons, driven largely by prolonged dry spells and drought‑like weather across much of the country.
KFS has maintained a high fire danger rating during the ongoing dry season, with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds creating conditions ripe for forest fires.
In these conditions, vegetation dries rapidly and accumulates combustible materials, sharply increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Data from KFS reveal that earlier fire seasons have seen hundreds of wildfire incidents, including more than 180 fires recorded in the first two months of one recent dry season, which devastated over 1,350 hectares of vegetation in forests across the Mau, Aberdares, Mt. Kenya and other conservancies.
The surge in wildfire activity has also affected major water catchment and biodiversity areas, including the Aberdare National Park and Mt. Kenya Forest, where conservation authorities and the Kenya Wildlife Service have battled flames as dry conditions persist.
To strengthen preparedness and response, the Government launched a Sh2.8 billion forest firefighting and surveillance initiative, equipping KFS with modern firefighting vehicles, drones and enhanced communication tools to detect and suppress fires more quickly.
Experts also warn that climate change and erratic rainfall patterns contribute to the severity of dry seasons and wildfire frequency, as rising temperatures and extended drought periods leave forests more vulnerable to ignition and rapid fire spread.
