Nairobi National Park fire disrupts Mombasa-bound SGR passenger train
By Mustafa Juma, March 1, 2025A wildfire that broke out within the Nairobi National Park on the night of Friday, February 28, 2025, disrupted a Madaraka Express Passenger Service train from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Kenya Railways, in a statement issued on Friday night via social media, said that they had experienced a 40-minute delay with the departure of the 10.00 pm Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train.
According to Kenya Railways, the fire affected the line between Nairobi Terminus and Athi River, making it hard for the train to start the journey to Mombasa.
“Dear Customer, We experienced a 40 minute delay with the departure of the 10.00 pm Madaraka Express Passenger Service train from Nairobi to Mombasa. This was due to a wild fire within Nairobi National Park. The fire affected the line between Nairobi Terminus and Athi River,” the state corporation stated.
Railway line cleared
The SGR train, however, managed to depart after the line was cleared. Kenya Railways, in a statement shared via X, apologized to their customers for the inconvenience the fire had caused.
“The Kenya Wildlife Society are currently on the ground working to contain the fire. The line was cleared and the train departed. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. As always, your safety is of paramount importance to us. Thank you for your continued support,” the statement read.
Dear Customer,
— Kenya Railways (@KenyaRailways_) February 28, 2025
We experienced a 40 minute delay with the departure of the 10.00 pm Madaraka Express Passenger Service train from Nairobi to Mombasa. This was due to a wild fire within Nairobi National Park. The fire affected the line between Nairobi Terminus and Athi River
Various videos and images started circulating online on Friday evening, with the footage capturing towering flames in shades of red and yellow, accompanied by thick plumes of black smoke.
The fire could be spotted near the Mlolongo area, with the extent of the damage remaining unclear.
The cause of the fire also remains unknown, since authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, with the management of the Nairobi National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano remaining mum, as at the time of publishing this article.
JKIA fire
The incident comes barely a week after a fire broke out at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), affecting a section of dry grassland along the North Airport Road.
The fire broke out at a section of JKIA grassland along the Airport North Road on Friday, February 21, 2025, at about 6:30 pm.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), in a statement issued on Saturday, February 21, 2025, confirmed that the fire was contained following a coordinated response from the KAA Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Service, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, the Kenya Pipeline, the Nairobi County Fire Unit, KK Security, and G4S.
“The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirms that a fire incident affecting a section of the grassland surrounding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been successfully contained. A coordinated response team, comprising the KAA Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Service, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, the Kenya Pipeline, the Nairobi County Fire Unit, KK Security, and G4S, worked diligently to bring the fire under control, leading to successful containment,” the statement read.