KWS DISMISSES REPORTS OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY AT MOUNT LONGONOT

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dispel misinformation regarding recent activity at Mount Longonot, confirming that it was wildfire, not volcanic activity that occurred within the national park.

This clarification follows reports and speculation circulating online about a potential volcanic eruption at the iconic site. According to an official statement from KWS, the wildfire broke out on January 21, 2026. The fire is believed to have originated from adjacent community lands, with initial investigations pointing to land-clearing activities as the probable cause. The flames spread into sections of Mount Longonot National Park.

A coordinated response involving KWS officers, trained community guides, and local residents was swiftly mobilised. Their joint efforts led to the fire being contained quickly, minimizing its impact on the park’s ecosystem. “We wish to inform the public that there is no volcanic activity or eruption associated with this incident,” the Service stated. “The event was a terrestrial fire that has been successfully managed.”