Fire erupts in Irizi forest in Mwatate, Taita Taveta

A forest fire has broken out in parts of Irizi Forest in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, prompting a multi-agency response.

The Kenya Red Cross said it is on the ground working alongside the Kenya Wildlife Service, local authorities, partners, and members of the community to contain the blaze.

According to the Red Cross, the operation is facing challenges due to the hilly terrain, which has made access and firefighting efforts difficult.

“Hilly terrain is challenging containment, and aerial support is being considered,” the organisation said in an update on Tuesday.

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear by the time of publication. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation as efforts to control the fire continue.

Irizi Forest is part of a fragile ecosystem, and forest fires in the region pose risks to wildlife, nearby communities, and the environment.

Emergency teams remained on high alert as coordination continued to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Concerns over forest fires in Kenya have been heightened this dry season.

On January 8, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) called for increased caution, noting that hot weather normally sparks wildfires.

KFS chief conservator Alex Lemarkoko said the service was on high alert, putting in place prevention and mitigation measures.

“We have technology that we have installed that is able to monitor and give real-time reports of the occurrence of fires,” Lemarkoko said, adding that firebreaks and maintained roads have also been deployed.

In March 2025, KFS launched a Sh2.8 billion forest firefighting and surveillance project funded by the Kenyan and French governments.

The initiative strengthened the service’s capacity across 14 counties, including the Mau, Aberdares, and Mt Kenya forests, equipping it with advanced fire engines, chaff trucks, surveillance drones, digital communication tools, and a command centre for rapid response.

The service has also trained a total of 22 officers as firefighters at its Forest Law Enforcement Academy in Londiani, Kericho county.

The officers are now part of the firefighting brigade for the service and are responsible for managing forest fires in gazetted forests as well as assisting other institutions in emergency situations.

The trainees were drawn from the Protection and Security Directorate and were trained by trainers from Valabre School of Security and Fire Fighting from France.