This milestone, part of the French-funded project, enhances KFS’s capacity to combat forest fires in Mau, Aberdares and Mt. Kenya ecosystems, spanning 14 counties.
Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale on Tuesday, November 26 launched a new project worth Ksh2.84 billion which will utilise the latest in technology trends to combat forest fires across the country.
He hosted France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohammed Soilihi, upon which he oversaw the launch of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Digital Radio Network and Early Fire Video Detection system in Nairobi.
This milestone, part of the French-funded project, enhances KFS’s capacity to combat forest fires in Mau, Aberdares and Mt. Kenya ecosystems, spanning 14 counties.
The two initiatives are set to help in tackling forest fires by detecting smoke from whichever part of the forest and immediately signalling at the command centre whereafter a decisive response is taken.
Environment CS Aden Duale during the launch of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Digital Radio Network and Early Fire Video Detection system in Nairobi. /ADEN DUALE
The state-of-the-art system also comes with satellite towers fitted with cameras capable of detecting smoke and transmitting real-time visual data with precise coordinates to the command centre. These towers have been strategically placed in key forest areas such as the Aberdare and Karura forests, enhancing fire detection and mitigation efforts nationwide.
From there, trained KFS personnel deploy firefighting teams and vehicles equipped with the necessary tools to contain and extinguish fires.
Duale highlighted that the project aligns with Kenya’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, stressing the importance of safeguarding forests against escalating climate risks such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures.
“The project, aligned with Kenya’s 15 billion tree-growing initiative, equips KFS with cutting-edge tools including fire engines, personal protective clothing, chaff trucks, digital communication gadgets, surveillance drones and a command centre at KFS Headquarters, improving its capacity and preparedness to handle risks through technology and training,” he revealed the components of the project.
“Kenya faces escalating climate change impacts; prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures heightening forest fire risks. These fires threaten biodiversity, human lives, and livelihoods, making proactive management essential.”
The launch, also attended by French Ambassador to Kenya Amaud Suquet, also attracted senior ministry leadership, including Principal Secretaries Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry) and Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change) and the host, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.
“The partnership between France and Kenya has spanned decades, yielding impactful projects such as the Mikoko mangrove restoration, Lake Victoria Ecosystem Management, and the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project. Today’s initiative further solidifies our shared commitment to forest protection, climate action, and sustainable development,” he added.
French Secretary of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi lauded Kenya’s efforts in achieving the 30 per cent tree cover target. The initiative represents a significant step in Kenya’s fight against forest fires, ensuring the protection of its forests and the biodiversity they support.
Forest fires have become a growing concern for environmentalists, with numerous incidents reported annually, resulting in the loss of vast biodiversity and tree cover. In February 2023, a wildfire in Aberdare National Park destroyed 40,000 hectares, with authorities attributing the cause to illegal human activity. The fire was attributed to illegal human activity.
Similarly, in February 2022, over 1,359 acres of the Aberdare Ranges were razed by forest fires, further highlighting the increasing frequency of such disasters.
Data from Global Forest Watch, a forest monitoring organisation, also revealed that Kenya lost 1.98 kilo hectares (kha) of tree cover to wildfires between 2001 and 2021, the group linking the rising number of fires to climate change, deforestation, and forest degradation.
