Mount Kenya is a vital water tower, providing ecosystem services to millions of people and businesses in Kenya. Its slopes and foothills are covered with the largest single forest area in Kenya, holding important species like elephant, black rhino, leopard and mountain bongo.
If the fire that started a week ago continues to spread, its impact could be devastating. It is already dangerously close to the forest edge and in some areas the forest is starting to catch along with the bamboo habitats. It is too late to put in firebreaks, and the scale of the fire is making it difficult to control. The Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) along with many local and international partners, are doing what they can to regain control, working with the Kenyan government and local communities around the clock. With the support of Tropic Air, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Kenya Forest Service, helicopters have been dropping water on the fire, but funding and resources are running out.
The firefighting team desperately needs more funding for helicopter hours, rations and equipment. Activities include getting people to the scene, dousing the area with water, and surveillance high up on the mountain. A total of $30,000 is needed to guarantee a further 15 hours minimum of flying.
Having already sent $10,000, we are appealing for donations to sustain the firefighting efforts trying to stop the fire entering the forest. Please click here to donate whatever you can.
