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19 Jan 2025

Kenya Battles Tree Cover Loss as Isiolo County Confronts Latest Fire Incident
Kenya Battles Tree Cover Loss as Isiolo County Confronts Latest Fire Incident

Kenya, a country with an area of over 58 million hectares, has experienced significant tree cover loss over the years. The latest incident in Isiolo County, where a fire alert was reported on January 19, 2025, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country's forests.

Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the leading cause of tree cover loss in Kenya, contributing to a substantial portion of the deforestation. This practice alone was responsible for over 80% of the total tree cover loss over the years. Forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization also play significant roles but to a lesser extent.

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The net change in tree cover in Kenya has been negative, with a loss of over 402,000 hectares and a gain of approximately 117,000 hectares, resulting in a net loss of around 285,000 hectares. This equates to a 5.99% decrease in tree cover from the stable extent recorded.

The consequences of these losses are profound, affecting biodiversity, climate, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources. The recent fire incident in Isiolo County is a single event in a broader trend of environmental degradation that requires urgent attention and action to reverse the negative trajectory of Kenya's forest cover.

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