13/02/2026
: Forest Fires Ravage Taita-Taveta's Critical Forests
An unprecedented wave of forest fires has swept through Taita-Taveta County this past week, threatening some of our most vital natural habitats. Mwambirwa, Ngangao, Sagalla, Kitobo, Irizi, and Vuria forests have been affected, with possible causes suspected to be accidents and arson.
On Tuesday, 10 February, flames razed through Ngangao Forest. Swift action contained the blaze, limiting the damage. Just a day later, Vuria Forest caught fire. Thanks to the determined efforts of Vuria CFA members and Nature Kenya-the EANHS, this fire has also been brought under control.
The response has been remarkable. The County Government of Taita-Taveta, alongside Nature Kenya-the EANHS, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, Save the Elephants, Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association, and African Wildlife Foundation, has mobilised crucial logistical support for fire suppression efforts.
Our conservation work continues. We're establishing firebreaks around the endangered Taita Apalis habitat in Vuria and Msidunyi, and protecting our restored forest sites. These measures are essential to safeguard the conservation gains we've fought so hard to achieve.
The threat is real, and vigilance is critical.
📷T. Mwamodenyi & Vuria CFA