A wildfire that hit the Mt Kenya National Park is reported to have cost the park at least 80,000 hectares of moorland, as authorities seek to contain other affected areas.
“80,000 hectares of moorland, 388.5 of grass, 93 of exotic plantations, 94 of indigenous plantation, 388 of grass and hectares of other sections have been destroyed,” said Kenya Forest Service chief conservator, Monica Kalenda.
She added that they were looking forward to putting out the fire on the Embu, Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi side.
Ms Kalenda said they were investigating the cause of the fire but did not rule out poachers, illegal honey harvesters and bhang farmers.
KWS acting director-general, Dr Charles Musyoki, said many animals, particularly the smaller wildlife groups, had been killed by the fire, adding that the number of tourists visiting the park had dropped.
He said most animals had fled the forest and that there was a likelihood of human-wildlife conflict should they invade the neighbouring villages.
He further asked his officers and locals to remain vigilant.