Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano is set to visit Nairobi National Park today, March 1, following a series of wildfires reported in various national parks across the country. The visit aims to assess the fire situation, receive briefings from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) leadership, and encourage firefighters working tirelessly to contain the fires.
In a statement, KWS confirmed that the visit will take place in the afternoon, where CS Miano will conduct a firsthand evaluation of the affected areas. Additionally, she will be briefed on the current status of containment efforts and interact with firefighting teams to boost their morale. A media briefing is also scheduled to update the public on the ongoing fire suppression measures and future mitigation strategies.
On February 28, KWS reported two fire incidents at Nairobi National Park. The first blaze, near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, was swiftly contained through coordinated efforts between KWS and the Nairobi County Government. However, a second fire in the Athi Basin Dam area, reported at 4:00 p.m., remained under active containment with assistance from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, and firefighting teams using water bowsers and fire engines.
Wildfires have become a major concern in recent weeks due to the ongoing dry season, with several national parks, including the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya Forests, experiencing similar outbreaks. On February 26, personnel from KWS and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) mobilized to curb fires in the Embaringo section of Aberdare Forest, which had spread rapidly. KWS Senior Assistant Director Lucy Mwati confirmed that separate teams were deployed to tackle the situation.
In response to these escalating fire incidents, KWS has intensified its firefighting efforts by deploying helicopters, establishing firebreaks, and working closely with county governments, local communities, and other partners to enhance fire response networks. The agency has urged the public to report any fire hazards immediately through its toll-free number 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp number 0726661509.
KWS extended its gratitude to KDF, KFS rangers, volunteers, county agencies, and local communities for their unwavering support in protecting Kenya’s wildlife and natural heritage.
