CS Miano Reveals Why Wildfires In National Parks Have Increased
The CS visited Nairobi National Park to assess the wildfire situation. The fire, located at the furthest corner of the park near Kitengela, affected 210 acres of the park’s 28,000 acres.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has linked the increase in wildfires in national parks to both human activities and extreme weather conditions.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, March 1, after inspecting the damage from a wildfire at Nairobi National Park, Miano noted that some fires were ignited by farmers clearing land, honey harvesters, and acts of arson.
She also highlighted that certain incidents stem from cultural beliefs associating fire with rainfall.
Collage of a fire outbreak at Nairobi National Park on February 28, 2025. /VIRAL TEA KE
“Some fires were started by honey harvesters, farmers clearing land for cultivation, and individuals engaging in arson. In certain cases, cultural beliefs linking fire to rainfall also contributed to deliberate ignitions, while careless smoking and the improper disposal of cigarette butts further exacerbated the problem.
“These activities, coupled with prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures, have created an environment highly susceptible to wildfires,” she remarked.
The CS visited Nairobi National Park to assess the wildfire situation. The fire, located at the furthest corner of the park near Kitengela, affected 210 acres of the park’s 28,000 acres. She revealed that the blaze has since been fully contained, and game drives within the park remained unaffected.
"I urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and promptly report any signs of fire outbreaks to authorities. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding these invaluable resources for future generations.
"In a whole of government approach, I extend my sincere gratitude to our firefighters, KWS, KDF, KFS, the Nairobi County Government, communities and partners who worked tirelessly to contain the fire," she added.
On Saturday, March 1, the Kenya Wildlife Service released a comprehensive report outlining the extent of the destruction caused by a devastating fire that swept through part of Nairobi National Park.
Although most wildfires nationwide have been brought under control, CS Miano disclosed that some areas of Ruma National Park were still burning, with efforts being ramped up to contain the blaze.
“Ruma National Park remains the only protected area where a wildfire is still active, with firefighters working relentlessly to suppress the flames,” the CS said as she observed that January to March as regarded as a fire season.
The CS also shared updates on a bushfire at South Island National Park in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, which scorched at least 60 square kilometers. The fire broke out on February 17 and burned for four days.
Meanwhile, in Mt. Elgon National Park, a fire in Kimothon Forest near Saum was contained before it could cause significant destruction or threaten vital bamboo ecosystems. Likewise, earlier wildfires in Tsavo West National Park were successfully extinguished, preventing further damage.
