Mt.Kenya forest fires a result of raging dry spell: experts

The increased number of forest fires in the Mt.Kenya region has been blamed on the ongoing dry spell conditions and honey hunters.

According to Meru County ecosystem conservator John Njoroge, they are currently battling the fire which has engulfed the Sirmon front at the Mt.Kenya National Park.

He also said over 100 hectares of forest cover were consumed by the fire which began on Monday.

Njoroge further warned that despite the government directive against logging took effect last year, there is still forest destruction.

The devastating fire was first reported in the mixed indigenous forest in Kiambogo, Meru County before spreading to the moorland.

In a statement to newsrooms, the office of chief conservator stated that a multi-agency team are are at the scene but strong winds and dry vegetation posed a challenge.

“Our officers, those from KWS and members of the community are battling the fire to prevent more loss,” read the statement.

Only last month Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator Monica Kalenda said more than 100 fire incidents had been reported since January.

Kalenda said more than 90,000 hectares of forest cover valued at Ksh 1billion had been destroyed in the fire which razed the Mount Kenya National Park.

“Up to now, 80,000 hectares of moorland, 388.5 acres of grass, 93 of exotic plantations, 94 of indigenous plantation and hectares of other sections have been destroyed,” she said