Residents of Lenkiloroti in Emukutan, Imbirikani Ward spent hours battling a large fire that broke out earlier today, burning vegetation and grazing land as dry conditions persisted across Kajiado South. The incident came only weeks after another massive wildfire swept through the wider Imbirikani area, spreading into parts of the Chyulu Hills National Park and scorching vast sections of rangeland.
According to reports, the Lenkiloroti fire spread quickly through dry grass and shrubs before community members managed to contain it with the help of local responders. The prolonged dry spell has made the region highly susceptible to fires, with strong winds and parched vegetation fuelling the rapid spread of flames. Thick smoke was seen rising from the affected zone as residents worked tirelessly to stop the fire from advancing.
In the earlier incident, a wildfire tore through large parts of Imbirikani and the Chyulu ecosystem, burning grazing fields and vegetation that pastoralists depend on for their livestock. Conservationists said the flames also affected wildlife habitats, forcing elephants, antelopes and smaller species to move to safer grounds.
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The recurring fires have drawn attention to the growing environmental risk facing Imbirikani Ward. Experts attribute the pattern to prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall and poor land management practices. Communities that rely on livestock grazing are now struggling as much of the rangeland remains charred and slow to recover.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain alert and report any new outbreaks promptly. They have also called for preventive measures such as creating firebreaks, controlling bush burning and improving coordination between residents and emergency response teams.
As the dry spell continues, concerns remain high that Imbirikani could face more fire incidents if the weather does not improve soon. The repeated outbreaks serve as a warning of the increasing environmental strain facing Kajiado South’s delicate ecosystem.
By Benedict Aoya
