Kenya Forest Service issues fire alert in several forests in Mt Kenya region

Kenya Forest rangers guard an encroached part of Marmanet forest in Laikipia County

The Kenya Forest Service has issued a fire alert in several forests in the Mt Kenya region.

The Nyeri ecosystem conservator, Muchiri Mathinji, while announcing the fire season, cautioned residents living around the forest against setting fire to any vegetation in or near forest reserves.

Speaking during a tour of the Aberdare Forest yesterday, Mr Mathinji said the prevailing dry weather conditions have resulted in rapid drying of vegetation in most protected areas such as forests and game reserves.

 "The dry spell is here with us again and it usually leads to build-up of inflammable materials, thus increasing the risk of forest fire outbreak,” he explained.