Videos and images showing thick smoke and fire around the iconic mountain in Nakuru County spread rapidly on platforms such as Facebook and X, triggering panic among Kenyans and raising fears of a possible volcanic eruption. Mount Longonot is one of Kenya’s dormant volcanoes located within the Great Rift Valley.
However, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials stationed at Mount Longonot National Park moved quickly to counter the claims, describing them as false and dangerous misinformation.
According to KWS, the incident involved bushfires that broke out within the park, most likely caused by human activity rather than geological processes.
The agency explained that the fires may have been ignited by careless disposal of cigarette butts, illegal vegetation burning, or deliberate arson.
“This is not the first time such misinformation has spread. A similar incident occurred in 2022, where bushfires were wrongly interpreted as volcanic activity,” KWS stated.
The wildlife agency noted that bushfires are a recurring challenge at Mount Longonot, particularly during dry seasons when vegetation becomes extremely flammable.
“This is not the first time such misinformation has spread. A similar incident occurred in 2022, where bushfires were wrongly interpreted as volcanic activity,” KWS stated.
The wildlife agency noted that bushfires are a recurring challenge at Mount Longonot, particularly during dry seasons when vegetation becomes extremely flammable.
The park’s ecosystem is especially vulnerable to fire outbreaks due to prolonged dry weather and strong winds that allow flames to spread rapidly.
KWS further explained that most fires in the area are linked to human actions, including charcoal burning, grazing activities by pastoralists near park boundaries, and negligence by hikers visiting the popular hiking destination.
Historical data shows that bushfires have previously caused significant environmental damage at Mount Longonot. In 2009, fires destroyed more than 4,600 hectares of vegetation, while another blaze in 2021, suspected to have been started by hikers, burned over 40 hectares within the park.
Fire outbreaks are also common across the wider Hell’s Gate–Longonot ecosystem, often originating from surrounding pastoral lands before spreading into protected areas. These fires not only damage vegetation but also disrupt wildlife habitats.
KWS revealed that during major fire incidents, thousands of animals—including zebras, giraffes, and buffalo—are forced to flee into nearby communities, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict and posing safety concerns for residents.
Despite the recent panic, experts have reiterated that Mount Longonot remains dormant. The volcano last erupted in 1863 and has been inactive for over 160 years.
KWS further explained that most fires in the area are linked to human actions, including charcoal burning, grazing activities by pastoralists near park boundaries, and negligence by hikers visiting the popular hiking destination.
Historical data shows that bushfires have previously caused significant environmental damage at Mount Longonot. In 2009, fires destroyed more than 4,600 hectares of vegetation, while another blaze in 2021, suspected to have been started by hikers, burned over 40 hectares within the park.
Fire outbreaks are also common across the wider Hell’s Gate–Longonot ecosystem, often originating from surrounding pastoral lands before spreading into protected areas. These fires not only damage vegetation but also disrupt wildlife habitats.
KWS revealed that during major fire incidents, thousands of animals—including zebras, giraffes, and buffalo—are forced to flee into nearby communities, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict and posing safety concerns for residents.
Despite the recent panic, experts have reiterated that Mount Longonot remains dormant. The volcano last erupted in 1863 and has been inactive for over 160 years.
While minor seismic activity was recorded in 2007–2008 and again in 2013, authorities confirmed that these movements did not indicate an imminent eruption or require evacuations.
Nevertheless, KWS emphasized that Mount Longonot continues to be closely monitored due to its location within the geologically active East African Rift System. Continuous surveillance helps ensure early detection of any unusual seismic or volcanic activity.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information from official institutions and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that may cause unnecessary fear.
KWS also appealed to visitors and neighboring communities to exercise caution, especially during dry seasons, and to report any fire outbreaks promptly to help protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.
Nevertheless, KWS emphasized that Mount Longonot continues to be closely monitored due to its location within the geologically active East African Rift System. Continuous surveillance helps ensure early detection of any unusual seismic or volcanic activity.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information from official institutions and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that may cause unnecessary fear.
KWS also appealed to visitors and neighboring communities to exercise caution, especially during dry seasons, and to report any fire outbreaks promptly to help protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.