Wildfires Intensify as Nairobi National Park Burns
A devastating wildfire has ravaged Nairobi National Park, destroying 210 acres of vital habitat. The fire incidents were concentrated near Wilson Airport and Athi Basin Dam areas, creating significant environmental damage and disruption to daily city operations.
This disaster is part of a larger bushfire crisis engulfing Kenya, with authorities reporting 180 fire incidents since January 2025. Experts link the rising number of wildfires to a combination of human activities and extreme weather conditions that have created perfect conditions for rapid fire spread.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) successfully contained the wildfire at the main affected area, but a second blaze at the Athi Basin Dam region remains under active containment. Officials have launched investigations into the causes, with preliminary findings pointing to:
- Discarded cigarettes from nearby roads
- Possible arson incidents
- Traditional honey harvesting techniques
- Extremely dry conditions due to ongoing drought
The timing of this disaster is particularly concerning, occurring just one week after the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Nairobi National Park blaze was first spotted near the Mlolongo area as a small bushfire before rapidly expanding.
The impact has extended beyond environmental damage. Kenya Railways reported significant disruptions to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations, with the Madaraka Express experiencing a 40-minute delay on its Nairobi to Mombasa route on February 28 as the fire affected portions of the train line.
This wildfire is not an isolated incident. Multiple national parks across Kenya are battling similar blazes, including an active bushfire at Ruma National Park. The Kenya Forest Service has issued warnings about increased bushfire vulnerability and suspended all burning of vegetation near forest reserves.
The government has mobilized significant resources to combat these fires, with firefighting teams deployed to affected areas. Authorities have established an inter-agency collaboration between KWS, the Nairobi County Government, and other emergency services to coordinate response efforts.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any fire outbreaks immediately to emergency services. As climate conditions continue to favor fire development, officials warn that quick reporting could be crucial in preventing further destruction of Kenya's precious natural resources.