Burning for rain: How long-held myth fuels forest fires in Taita Taveta

For generations, desperate farmers in Taita Taveta County have set forests ablaze, believing that smoke billowing into the sky will induce rainfall.

This long-held myth persists, particularly during dry seasons when rains are delayed, leading to widespread destruction of forests, which serve as water towers and habitats for critically endangered wildlife and plant species.

While recent scientific studies have debunked the myth, some still argue that smoke particles can act as cloud condensation nuclei, meaning water vapour condenses on them to form cloud droplets. A 1929 study supports this claim.

In Voi, Mzee Ben Mwanga said locals believe that smoke from wildfires, especially on cloudy evenings, can trigger rainfall. “This cultural belief has worked for the community and should not be ignored. When fires are set, it does not take more than two weeks before it rains,” said Mzee Mwanga, adding that some farmers still practise it.

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Last week,  hundreds of acres of vegetation were devastated as a fierce fire swept through Iyale, Kinyenshamvua, and Mghambonyi forests, which are key water sources in the county. These areas are home to the critically endangered Taita Apalis and Taita White-eye, whose populations are declining due to illegal human activities.

In a series of recent wildfires,  another fire broke out in Wundanyi town near the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) station offices and Wundanyi Police Station, destroying trees and other properties.

Wundanyi Location Chief Elijah Kimbichi and Taita Sub-County Administrator Anne Mwatika confirmed the incident, saying it was caused by a woman who was walking around with a matchbox.

“We managed to contain the fire before it spread further,” said Mr Kimbichi.

“We have also embarked on public awareness campaigns to discourage farmers from holding on to outdated cultural beliefs that have no place in modern Kenya,” added Ms Mwatika.

Authorities crack down on forest destruction

Taita Acting Deputy County Commissioner Francis Lomer said local farmers are responsible for fires in Taita Hills, a major water tower and habitat for endangered wildlife and plants.

He warned that security personnel are on high alert and will not allow anyone carrying machetes, matchboxes, or dogs to enter forests and cause destruction.

“We will also not allow locals to collect firewood from state forests. Anyone violating environmental protection laws will be dealt with accordingly,” said Mr Lomer.

He revealed that Iyale Forest, home to the critically endangered Taita Apalis, was recently burned down by farmers now being pursued by police for prosecution.

“The county’s forest cover is now less than 4 per cent and is declining at an alarming rate. We are encouraging farmers to plant trees as part of the devolved forestry functions, as uncontrolled human activities are accelerating biodiversity loss in the region,” he added.

Tsavo National Park under threat

Concerns are growing over the recurring wildfires that continue to ravage the Tsavo ecosystem.

Recently, a massive fire destroyed thousands of acres of vegetation in Tsavo National Park, but the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has remained silent on the escalating crisis.

KWS Tsavo Conservation Area Senior Assistant Director Jillo Arero blamed motorists along the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta highway for the fires.

“Motorists have been throwing burning cigarettes along the busy highway, which traverses Tsavo West National Park, igniting fires,” he said.

However, he added that Tsavo has not experienced any significant fires recently.

“The wildlife conservation body has always been responsive and has contained fire outbreaks along the route. We remain on high alert to handle any disaster,” stated Mr Arero.

A spot check at Tsavo West shows that KWS has constructed fire barriers to minimise the rapid spread of wildfires.

In the past year, wildfires have repeatedly erupted across the Tsavo ecosystem, with KWS and KFS teams working to contain them.

“We have been battling fires in Tsavo since last year. Each time we put one out, another breaks out in a different area due to the hot weather,” said a senior KWS official.

Similar fires have been reported in private ranches and community conservancies in the region, raising concerns about their devastating ecological impact.