More than 3,000 hectares of forest have been affected by the ongoing fire on Mt. Kenya, with authorities now reporting significant progress in efforts to contain the blaze.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the fire, which broke out on September 1, had been 85 percent contained as of Monday.
More than 400 personnel have been deployed to the affected area, including 100 Kenya Forest Service officers, 144 Kenya Defence Forces personnel, community members and other key partners involved in the firefighting operation.
No casualties have been reported so far.
CS Barasa attributed the rapid spread of the fire partly to invasive plant species present in the forest, which have contributed to the intensity and movement of the blaze.
While the fire has so far not affected large wildlife, smaller animals, including rats and squirrels, have not been spared, with some reportedly burnt in the blaze.
Barasa said the incident has also exposed the need for the government to strengthen its wildfire preparedness, mitigation measures and capacity to rapidly deploy resources whenever similar emergencies occur.
The ongoing response continues as teams work to fully contain the fire and prevent further damage to the Mt. Kenya ecosystem.
