Sericho, Kenya| The Kenyan government has announced the full containment of a catastrophic bushfire that ravaged parts of Isiolo County for over a week, destroying more than 600,000 acres of critical grazing land.
The inferno, which tore through the Cherab and Garbatulla sub-counties, has been described as one of the most destructive wildfires in the region’s recent history, threatening livelihoods, biodiversity, and local ecosystems.
In a joint statement on Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that coordinated efforts by national and county emergency teams, alongside community volunteers, had finally brought the blaze under control.
“While we commend the swift response of all stakeholders, this disaster underscores the urgent need for vigilance during the dry season,” Omollo stated.
He cautioned residents against activities that risk sparking fires, such as indiscriminate burning of fields, careless disposal of flammable materials, or unauthorized use of fire for hunting or land clearance.
Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation into the fire’s origins, with preliminary reports suggesting human activity as the likely trigger.
Suspected causes include traditional honey harvesting methods, which often involve smoking beehives, and deliberate land-clearing by pastoralists seeking fresh pasture amid prolonged drought conditions.
“We are working closely with local leaders to identify those responsible. Accountability will be paramount to prevent future tragedies,” Omollo added.
The ecological toll of the fire has been severe, decimating grasslands vital to the region’s pastoralist communities and disrupting wildlife habitats.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi emphasized the broader implications of the disaster, linking it to Kenya’s escalating climate vulnerabilities.
“This fire is a stark reminder of how climate change intensifies environmental risks. Replanting trees and restoring degraded landscapes must become a communal priority to buffer against such crises,” Mugambi asserted.
He announced plans for county-led afforestation drives and public awareness campaigns on sustainable land management.
Local leaders and environmental experts have echoed calls for systemic reforms. Cherab Ward Representative Fatuma Ali lamented the loss of pastureland critical for livestock, a lifeline for over 70% of Isiolo’s population.
“Recovery will take years. We urge national support for reseeding programs and water infrastructure to aid resilience,” she said.
Meanwhile, climate scientists warn that rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns could exacerbate fire risks, demanding proactive adaptation strategies.
As investigations proceed, the government has pledged enhanced surveillance in fire-prone regions, including deploying rapid-response units and satellite monitoring systems.
Community dialogues to revise traditional practices, such as adopting modern beekeeping techniques, are also underway.
For now, residents remain cautiously hopeful, even as the charred landscape serves as a somber testament to the urgency of climate action.