KFS Responds to Claims of 200-Acre Aberdare Forest Fire

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has responded to reports claiming that about 200 acres of forest land had been destroyed by fire at the Aberdare Forest in Nyandarua County.

In a brief statement on Wednesday, September 2, the agency said the claims are yet to be verified.

KFS said it remains prepared to respond to forest fires and has deployed the necessary resources to strengthen its fire management operations.

"The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) remains fully prepared to monitor, prevent, contain and suppress forest fires, with the necessary personnel, equipment and resources deployed to strengthen fire management operations," the statement read.

KFS said it is coordinating with communities living near forests and other stakeholders as efforts continue to manage the fire within the wider Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem.

"The Service is also working closely with forest-adjacent communities and other stakeholders to coordinate ongoing efforts to contain and manage the fire within the Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem," the statement added.

This comes weeks after KFS launched investigations into reports of forest destruction and illegal logging at Saboti Forest Station within the Mount Elgon ecosystem.

In a statement on Thursday, August 13, the agency clarified that not all areas reported to have been affected by the illegal logging were impacted, noting that Shikhendu block remained unaffected while Makunga forest block was targeted.

"Within the reported areas, Shikhendu block has not been affected as reported online. However, Makunga forest block has been affected," the statement read.

KFS said the destruction in Makunga involved the overnight felling of 350 young trees, which were left on the ground after being cut down.

"The illegal felling of trees within Makunga forest block seems to be maliciously instigated by a few individuals, to incite the community, and 350 young trees were felled overnight and left on the ground," the statement added.

KFS said security measures have since been strengthened in the affected forest area as investigations continue, warning that those found responsible will face legal action under the relevant forest conservation law.

"Protection and security has since been enhanced and those found culpable of the forest crimes will be arrested and charged as per the Forest Conservation and Management Act (amendment) 2026," the statement further read.

KFS also appealed to members of the public with information about the illegal logging to report it to the relevant authorities to facilitate the arrest of those involved.

"Those with information that may lead to the arrest of those involved in these activities are advised to report immediately to the Saboti Foresters office, the County Forest Conservator Trans Nzoia or nearby police station," the statement concluded.