NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has recalled officers from leave and ramped up firefighting efforts as wildfires continue to devastate protected forests across the country.
Since the start of the year, at least 180 fire incidents have scorched approximately 1,358 hectares of vegetation in gazetted forests, with the worst-hit areas including the Maasai Mau, North Rift, Coast, Central Highlands (Mt. Kenya and Aberdares), and Eastern Conservancies.
KFS has maintained a high fire danger rating across all its stations, citing prolonged dry conditions, rising temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds as key factors fueling the crisis.
“The rapid drying of vegetation and accumulation of combustible materials have significantly heightened the risk of forest fires,” KFS said in a statement on Thursday.
In response to the growing threat, KFS has recalled staff on leave to reinforce firefighting operations and deployed additional equipment to affected areas.
The agency is also installing advanced smoke detection systems in critical ecosystems, including Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and the Mau Forest, to enhance monitoring and early response.
Beyond natural causes, KFS has warned against human-induced fires and imposed stricter regulations on burning vegetation near forests.
Anyone planning to set fire to land must notify the nearest KFS office and police station in writing at least 48 hours in advance.
Despite successfully containing recent fires in the Mau, Mt. Kenya, and Aberdares, KFS warns that the risk remains high and could persist until mid-March.
The agency is urging the public to stay vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately to the nearest Forest Station.
