Herders in Isiolo County, Kenya are crying-out for help after wildfires continue to ravage across the semi-arid region. Reports, and satellite pictures show an estimated 300,000 acres surface area totally burnt down.
The willdfire is said to have originated from the Malkagalla area one week ago, while a second one started around Chaffa region. This is along Ewaso Nyiro river, Sericho, five days ago.
Authorities point out pest control as the cause of the ongoing wildfire, where herders aimed to save their livestock from tick infestation. Geoffery Omoding, Isiolo County Commisioner, on Monday said that the fires had destroyed over 190,000 acres before it’s encroachmemnt to Bassa, Sericho, and Matarba locations.
Geoferrey Omoding urges the locals to continue controlling the fire in unison, as the government mobilizes reliable machinery. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has dispatched its personnel and volunteers to aid the locals, mobilize tools, and offer wildfire control strategies.
Residents, including Borana Council of elders have expressed disappointment for the slow response from the government to contain the fire. Furthermore, residents are lucky that the fire is away from settlement areas.
“The extent of damage on the pasture calls for national’s government attention. It’s unfortunate no one has responded since the fire started.” The Borana council of elders said.
This isn’t the first time Northern Kenya has experienced wildfires, with the most recent occurring in 2020, destroying over 150 km of grazing land.
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