Kenya Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents as Tree Cover Declines by Nearly 6%

Kenya Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents as Tree Cover Declines by Nearly 6%

Kenya has been experiencing a significant decline in tree cover, with a net loss of approximately 6% over recent years. This decline is attributed to various factors, including shifting agriculture, forestry activities, and urbanization. Recently, the country recorded a new wildfire incident on July 3, 2026, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges.

The historical data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the decline. Forestry activities and urbanization have also contributed significantly to this trend. Notably, wildfires, although less frequent, have been a persistent issue, exacerbating the loss of tree cover.