Wildfires erupt at Nairobi National Park as dry season intensifies

Kenyan emergency teams are battling multiple wildfires at the Nairobi National Park amid a dry season that has seen several fire outbreaks in other parts of the country.

According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), two fires erupted at the Nairobi National Park on Thursday and Friday evening.

The first incident happened near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, while another started at the Athi Basin Dam area. The latest blaze is still under active containment by a team from KWS, the Kenya Defense Forces, and volunteers who are on-site.

KWS says investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing, even though they suspect human activity, such as discarded cigarettes, arson, and honey harvesting, as major contributing factors.

The Kenya Wildlife Service says they are actively fighting fires in the Aberdare Ecosystem, Ruma National Park in Homa Bay, and South Island National Park in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County.

According to KWS, the Loiyangalani fire, which lasted four days, consumed 60 sq km before it was contained.

Other places that have so far been contained include Mt. Elgon National Park at Kimothon Forest and Tsavo West National Park.