Fire Management in Forests and National Parks of Kenya

This book explores the root cause of fires in forests and national parks of Kenya and the regional differences in the implementation of fire management plans, policies, strategic actions and actions. The awareness of the fire management educational programmes by communities and other stakeholders involved in firefighting is well discussed. Improved communication between government and communities is key for successful fire management in Kakamega, Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya Forest and National Park. According to the Kenya Forest Service, climate change and the increasing human activities in forests and national parks are causing an increase in the number of fire incidences and the damage caused by wildfires leading to the reduction of the forest cover. The local knowledge of the indigineous communities in Kenya is important in improving fire management practices in the country. But, the increasing population of Kenya growing at a rate of 1.45% is putting a strain on the natural resources. Results of the 2009 national census place the population figure at 40 million, well above the UN projected population for the year 2015. So sustainable forest management is a challenge in Kenya.