Climate change link to wildfires ravaging national parks in Kenya

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, when she toured Nairobi National Park to assess the fire situation there. PHOTO/KWS.

By PATRICK MAYOYO

newshub@eyewitness.africa

Recent wildfire outbreaks in several of Kenya’s renowned national parks have raised concerns about the increasing frequency and severity of such events, sparking a call for urgent action.

The fires, which have affected parks such as Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park in Nyeri County, Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County and Mount Elgon National Park in Bungoma County, South Island National Park in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County and Tsavo West National Park in Taita Taveta, are not just a seasonal issue but a growing crisis exacerbated by climate change and human activities.

Every year, African countries like Kenya, experience climate change impacts that include wildfires, mudslides, landslides, droughts and even lately cyclones yet they are the least contributors to the global greenhouse gas emissions.

A UN climate report says that global average temperature rise is approaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which would put the world on course for a catastrophic rise of 2.6-3.1°C this century, unless there are immediate and major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.

The UN is calling for urgent collective action, led by the G20 group of developed economies and the biggest emitters, to deliver the greenhouse gas emissions cuts needed to limit global warming.

The climate crisis transcends borders. Solving it requires unprecedented international cooperation, with the UN and its  Secretary-General, António Guterres, are at the centre of the multilateral effort.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses COP28 held in Dubai in 2023. PHOTO/ COP28/Stuart Wilson.

Extreme weather events like wildfires serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for climate finance – resources that are crucial for mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

While the responsibility lies heavily on the shoulders of the world’s top polluters, the reality remains stark: African nations bear the brunt of a crisis they did little to create.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, says the government is now reviewing and strengthening fire management strategies in response to the wildfires pressing challenge.

In the past few weeks, multiple wildfires have ravaged Kenya’s protected areas. Nairobi National Park was struck by two separate fires on February 29, one near Wilson Airport and another in the Athi Basin Dam area, destroying over 210 acres of land.

The Aberdare Ecosystem also witnessed a significant blaze that required both ground teams and aerial firefighting support to contain. Other affected areas include South Island National Park in Marsabit County, which suffered a fire that burned around 60 square kilometres before being extinguished after four days, and Mt. Elgon National Park, where fires threatened vital bamboo ecosystems.

However, the most persistent challenge remains Ruma National Park, where firefighters are still battling an ongoing blaze. Despite the prompt response of firefighting teams, including local volunteers, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the fires continue to cause destruction to both the environment and wildlife. As of now, this remains the only park with an active wildfire.

Dr. David Gikungu, the Director General of the Meteorological Department. PHOTO/UGC.

Experts and government officials alike agree that the surge in wildfire outbreaks is closely tied to climate change. Dr. David Gikungu, the Director-General of the Meteorological Department, has warned that rising temperatures across the country are creating conditions that are highly conducive to fires.

Prolonged dry spells, exacerbated by changing rainfall patterns, have led to an accumulation of dry vegetation, which acts as fuel for wildfires.

“The temperatures have been rising. There are some places where the temperatures are slightly lower than the average, but that doesn’t change the upward trend,” said Dr. Gikungu.

He added that although light rainfall is expected in some regions, the overall warming trend remains a cause for concern.

This escalating heat, paired with human-caused ignition sources, has created a perfect storm for wildfires. According to CS Miano, human activities like land clearing for farming, honey harvesting, and deliberate arson have contributed significantly to the outbreaks.

“Some people believe that fire can induce rain, and this has led to intentional ignitions in certain areas,” Ms Miano explained. Additionally, discarded cigarette butts and careless smoking continue to be a major cause of fires.

Firefighting teams from KWS, KDF, KFS, volunteers’ and county governments battling the fires. PHOTO/KWS.

In response to the escalating threat, the government has mobilised resources to contain the ongoing wildfires. The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary has stressed the importance of cooperation between various stakeholders, including KWS, KDF, local county governments, and international partners.

Emergency firefighting teams, equipment, and personnel have been deployed to affected areas, and substantial efforts have been made to support the communities involved in these efforts.

Ms Miano, who visited Nairobi National Park to assess the damage, lauded the swift response of first responders.

“Thanks to the efforts of our firefighters and KWS rangers, we have been able to contain the majority of fires,” Miano said, before acknowledging that Ruma National Park remains an area of concern.

Despite the immediate success in containing the blazes, the government is focusing on long-term solutions. A comprehensive review of fire management strategies is underway, with particular attention given to the creation of firebreaks, the installation of early warning systems, and the education of communities on fire prevention.

While the damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and habitats is still being assessed, the government has reiterated its commitment to restoring affected areas. The wildlife sector, heavily reliant on these national parks for tourism, is under pressure.

INFOGRAPHIC/Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT)

Kenya’s national parks are not only home to unique wildlife but are also a major contributor to the country’s economy. Wildfires threaten biodiversity by displacing wildlife, destroying vital ecosystems, and disrupting the livelihoods of local communities that depend on the parks for income.

The KWS has assured the public that it is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of wildfires on wildlife. KWS teams are actively engaged in rescuing and rehabilitating affected animals, while plans to restore damaged habitats are already underway.

However, Ms Miano acknowledged that this would be a long-term process and warned that the increasing frequency of wildfires posed an ongoing threat to the country’s natural heritage.

One of the most critical aspects of combating wildfires is community involvement. The government has called on local communities to take an active role in preventing fires, urging them to report any outbreaks immediately and to exercise caution when dealing with fire sources.

“We must be vigilant in our everyday actions,” Ms Miano said, emphasising the importance of properly disposing of cigarette butts and avoiding open flames near dry vegetation.

To this end, the government is prioritising public education campaigns that focus on fire safety and the importance of preserving Kenya’s natural resources.

CS Rebecca Miano, says the government is now reviewing and strengthening fire management strategies. PHOTO/UGC

Moreover, the government is collaborating with community leaders to develop sustainable fire management practices that will help prevent future outbreaks.

The recent wildfires in Kenya’s national parks serve as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change, human activities, and insufficient fire management strategies.

As wildfires become more frequent and destructive, the need for proactive measures and collaboration between the government, local communities, and international partners has never been more urgent.

Kenya’s national parks are a valuable resource, not just for tourism but for the preservation of the country’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The government’s commitment to safeguarding these areas is clear, but it will require the combined efforts of all stakeholders to protect Kenya’s precious ecosystems from the increasingly unpredictable threat of wildfires.