The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in partnership with the Government of France, has officially launched a transformative forest fire management project worth Sh3 billion.
The project aims at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to
combat the increasing threat of forest fires.
This was during the unveiling of the new KFS digital radio network and Early Fire Video Detection facility in Nairobi on November 26, 2024.
The event was presided over by CS for Environment Aden Duale and French Minister of the State
of Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohammed Soilihi.
The implemented capacity development project for modern
technologies in modern fire management by the French company Tyllium, will
provide cutting-edge equipment and technology to enhance fire detection,
surveillance, and suppression across Kenya’s vital forest ecosystems.
The initiative focuses on critical forest regions that include
the Mau Forest, Aberdare Range, and Mount Kenya which are spread across 14
counties identified as high-risk areas for forest fires.
Duale lauded the initiative as a milestone in conservation
and climate change mitigation and highlighted the enduring and successful
partnership between Kenya and France which has led to numerous impactful
environmental projects.
“The partnership between France and Kenya has spanned
decades, resulting in significant initiatives such as the Mikoko mangrove
restoration, Lake Victoria Ecosystem Management, and the Kenya Climate-Smart
Agriculture Project,” Duale said.
“The project will strengthen Kenya's resilience to climate
change and benefit sectors such as agriculture, water management and tourism,"
Mohammed said.
The French Minister also stated that the project aims at
building institutional capacity to tackle the growing threat of forest fires
contributing to the greater goal of achieving and maintaining 30 per cent tree
cover for environmental stability
KFS will also receive advanced firefighting tools, including
drones, early fire detection cameras, all-terrain firefighting vehicles, and a
digital radio network for enhanced communication during fire outbreaks.
These state-of-the-art technologies will enable KFS to
monitor and respond swiftly to forest fires, helping protect the country’s
vital “water towers.”
Additionally, the project will provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard fire management teams.