Help! Herders, leaders sound alarm as wildfires rage in Isiolo
Wildfires in Sericho and Merti, Isiolo destroy thousands of acres of vital grazing land.
What you need to know:
- The biggest wildfire is said to have started at the Malkagalla area in Merti a week ago and continues to devour grass, shrubs and trees.
- A second fire sparked at Chaffa near the Lorian swamp, along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in Sericho four days ago.
An alarm has been sounded on raging wildfires in Isiolo County that are threatening to wipe out huge chunks of grazing land in the semi-arid region.
The flames that have destroyed nearly 200,000 acres in Merti were linked to an attempt by herders to fight tick infestation in the expansive grazing lands.
Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding on Monday said the fire had so far destroyed over 190,000 acres and was raging in Bassa, Matarba and Sericho locations.
“We have mobilised locals who are trying to contain the fire in the morning and evening hours. Currently, we are sourcing machinery to help create fire breaks. Luckily, the fire is not near settlements,” Mr Omoding said.
The biggest wildfire is said to have started at the Malkagalla area in Merti a week ago and continues to devour grass, shrubs and trees.
A second fire sparked at Chaffa near the Lorian swamp, along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in Sericho four days ago.
According to Sericho Community Conservancy Manager Nura Halkana, the flames have destroyed about 28,000 hectares of grazing land in the area.
However, the Google map Wildfire alert estimates that more than 16,000 hectares are affected.
"The fires were caused by herders who were attempting to rid the grazing land of ticks. There has been a heavy infestation of ticks and there are people who think fire is the cure," Mr Halkana said.
He said the fire was being fuelled by dry grass, shrubs and trees that were yet to be grazed.
Mr Halkana noted that the destruction of the grazing area, a lifeline for herders during the dry season, may have a significant impact on livestock health.
"It has been difficult to contain the fire due to lack of proper tools. About 100 residents are trying to fight the blaze. If the pasture is destroyed, animals will suffer this year," he said.
The Nation spot check
A spot check on Google maps also indicates that similar wildfires are currently raging at Leisanyu in Wajir covering over 33,000 acres, Illeret in Marsabit County (over 1,200 acres), Suiyian in Samburu County (over 1000 acres) and Lorau in Turkana (over 51,000 acres).
The Kenya Red Cross said their volunteers have been supporting locals and Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers in containing the Sericho fire for the last two days.
The organisation said specialised equipment is being mobilised to contain the flames.
"The fire remains active, spreading toward Sericho, Biliki, Badana and Basa villages...we remain on the ground, responding and closely monitoring the situation," Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Residents say aerial support is needed to contain the fire before it reaches settlements.
On Saturday, the Borana Council of Elders expressed dissatisfaction over the slow response by the county government of Isiolo in containing the inferno.
"The extent of damage on the pasture calls for national government’s attention. It is unfortunate that no one has responded since the fire started," Borana Council of Elders chairman Mohamed Konso said.
The area has experienced similar wildfires in the past with the worst happening in 2020 when it covered over 150 kilometres.
