Kenya has recently reported a spike in fire incidents across various counties, with a notable concentration in Lamu County. On July 8, 2024, the country experienced multiple fires, underscoring an ongoing environmental challenge. Over the past two decades, Kenya has witnessed a significant shift in its landscape, with a net loss of tree cover amounting to 285,315.62 hectares, which represents a 5.99% decrease from its previous tree cover extent.
The majority of tree cover loss, calculated at 88.30%, has been attributed to shifting agriculture practices, followed by urbanization, forestry, and wildfires. While the direct impact of these fires on tree cover loss for the year 2024 is not yet quantified, the historical data suggests a persistent threat to Kenya's natural resources. The country's tree cover extent, which currently stands at 3,319,482.96 hectares, has been on a declining trend, with shifting agriculture as the leading cause of deforestation.
Explore country profileKenya's environmental landscape is at a critical juncture, with the recent fire incidents highlighting the urgency for sustainable land management practices. The cumulative effect of these incidents, coupled with the ongoing deforestation, poses a significant challenge to the country's biodiversity and ecological balance. As Kenya grapples with these environmental issues, the need for a concerted effort to mitigate tree cover loss and prevent future incidents becomes increasingly apparent.
