ISIOLO, Kenya – A group of elders and human rights activists in Isiolo County have urged the government to expedite efforts to put out the fire that broke out three days ago.
The fire, which started in Merti Sub-County, has consumed ten square km of grazing areas in the region so far.
Mohamed Konso, the chairperson of the Borana Council of Elders, has led the villagers in expressing concern that if an immediate solution is not found to put out the fire, catastrophic losses, including the deaths of large numbers of cattle, will occur.
What is the likely cause of the Isiolo fire
The cause of the inferno has yet to be identified.
“We are yet to establish the cause of this inferno, but rumours are that it is a result of accidental fire,” said Konso.
Wildfire in Isiolo County rages on for the 5th day.
Hassan Shano, an Isiolo elder, lamented that since the fire broke out three days ago, no government official has come to the ground to assess the situation, which is now putting thousands of lives in danger.
The current situation threatens their livelihood and the local economy,” Shano told journalists.
How the government is handling the situation
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said the fire had destroyed over 190,000 acres and raged in Bassa, Matarba, and Sericho locations.
“We have mobilised locals trying to contain the fire in the morning and evening hours. Currently, we are sourcing machinery to help create fire breaks. Luckily, the fire is not near settlements,” Mr. Omoding said.
The Kenya Red Cross said its volunteers have supported locals and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in containing the Sericho fire for the last two days.
An intensive bush fire in Isiolo County Chetab and Sericho wards.Large tracks of grazing land burnt exposing communities to possibility of limited pasture for their animals.@KenyaRedCross volunteers supporting the community in creating fire breaks to halt the spread of the…
The organization said specialized equipment is being mobilized to contain the flames.
“The fire remains active, spreading toward Sericho, Biliki, Badana, and Basa villages…we remain on the ground, responding and closely monitoring the situation,” Kenya Red Cross said.
Residents say aerial support is needed to contain the fire before it reaches settlements.
As the fire spreads, there are concerns that it may soon reach residential areas and burn homes and local institutions in the Iresaburu, Bodana, and Sericho areas.
