210 Nairobi National Park acres destroyed in wildfires

Wildfires have destroyed over 210 acres of Nairobi National Park, affecting areas near Wilson Airport and the Athi Basin Dam, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said.  

“In recent weeks, multiple national parks and protected areas have suffered from wildfires. Nairobi National Park experienced two fires, with one breaking out near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass and another in the Athi Basin Dam area. While both were swiftly contained, the fires left behind significant destruction, with over 210 acres of parkland burned,”* read Miano’s statement.  

The incident adds to an ongoing bushfire crisis across the country.  

In South Island National Park, Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, a bushfire that ignited on February 17 burned approximately 60 square kilometers before being extinguished after four days.

Another fire in Mt. Elgon National Park, near Saum, threatened surrounding bamboo ecosystems.  

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on Thursday, February 27  reported that 180 fire incidents have been recorded since January, burning over 1,300 hectares across Mau, North Rift, Coast, Central Highlands, and Eastern conservancies. 

According to Miano, the rising cases of wildfires are linked to human activities and extreme weather conditions, citing honey harvesters, farmers clearing land, and careless cigarette disposal as major causes.  

While most fires have been extinguished, Miano noted that Ruma National Park in Kericho remains the only active bushfire.

She reaffirmed the government’s efforts to contain and prevent further outbreaks and urged the public to remain vigilant and report fire outbreaks promptly, warning that wildfires threaten wildlife, biodiversity, and tourism.

“The government has deployed additional firefighting teams and resources to curb the crisis. We are also working with local communities to raise awareness about fire prevention,” she said.