Karura Forest Controversy: KFS Defends Ecitizen Payment System Amid Public Outcry
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has sought to calm the public after the backlash over recent changes at Karura Forest, particularly the shift of entry payments to the government’s eCitizen platform and concerns raised about the fate of workers.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 1, KFS said all operations at Karura Forest were going on as usual. The agency said its rangers, alongside community scouts from the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), were still providing security and managing entry points without interruption.
“KFS confirms all forest and security operations are intact. Rangers and community scouts are working together to protect the environment and visitors. Enjoy Karura Forest, it’s the benchmark for urban conservation in Africa,” the statement read.
Karura, a 1,000-hectare forest reserve, has been a green space for Nairobi residents since the 1990s when Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai championed its conservation. But controversy has erupted in recent weeks after KFS decided to centralize payments through eCitizen, replacing the joint management system with FKF.
FKF has strongly objected, citing lack of consultation, sudden changes at entry gates and what they term an unfair hike in entry fees. Adult fees have gone up from Ksh100 to Ksh174 while children now pay Ksh116 instead of Ksh50.
“We are shocked by the increase in entrance fees which will lock out ordinary Kenyans from one of the world’s largest urban forests,” said FKF board member Prof. Karanja Njoroge.
FKF also raised concerns about the fate of over 120 permanent staff and 400 casual workers, most of whom are from neighboring communities, who were employed under the joint agreement.
But KFS is adamant the changes are part of broader government reforms to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public institutions. “This is a policy and must be implemented uniformly across all agencies,” the service said.
Despite the dispute, KFS said its collaboration with FKF on conservation and community engagement is still on. Top officials including Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko and Nairobi Regional Forest Conservator Joyce Nthuku visited Karura on Monday to oversee operations and allay public fears.
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Karura Forest Controversy: KFS Defends Ecitizen Payment System Amid Public Outcry