Struggle over Karura Forest intensifies as opposition arises against government seizure and increment in fees

In a surprising turn of events, the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) has accused the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) of misrepresenting the terms of their 20-year joint management agreement. The dispute revolves around the decision made by the Kenya Forest Service to introduce payment of fees for the Karura Forest through the eCitizen platform, a move that FKF claims amounts to a takeover of the forest's day-to-day management.

According to FKF, this decision goes beyond the mode of payment. They argue that it threatens the forest's survival, specifically the availability of funds necessary for its continued operation. The group notes that they remain financially liable for all contracts within Karura Forest, yet the abrupt transition to the eCitizen revenue collection means FKF has lost all access to the funds they have used to manage the forest.

Prof Njuguna Njoroge, a board member of FKF, states that this decision disregards the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021-2041). The agreement, he explains, specifies joint obligations of the parties regarding revenues from Karura Forest. According to the agreement, all revenues collected from Karura entrance gates, events, and other activities must be deposited into a jointly managed account.

The Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, issued a letter directing this change on August 28, 2025. The eCitizen platform is now the exclusive method for making payments at Karura Forest Reserve. Entrance fees for adults have nearly doubled to Sh174, while fees for children have increased to Sh116.

FKF expresses concern that the lack of clarity on financing threatens the forest's survival. Managing Karura Forest costs between Sh10-12 million monthly, yet there are no assurances of funds to sustain the work. The funds from the joint account are earmarked for paying staff salaries, maintaining infrastructure, and implementing the forest management plan.

The group claims this move violates the spirit of partnership with the Kenya Forest Service. They argue that it goes beyond the mode of payment, claiming it amounts to a takeover of the forest's day-to-day management. A battle is looming over control of Karura Forest in Nairobi, with FKF accusing the government of unilaterally taking over the forest's operations.

Struggle over Karura Forest intensifies as opposition arises against government seizure and increment in fees