Management of Karura Forest unchanged, only payment platform, says official

The management of Karura Forest has not changed, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko now says, dismissing claims of a government takeover.

His clarification comes after protests by Friends of Karura Forest Association over the introduction of e-Citizen as the mandatory payment system for entry and services at the forest.

"The only change is the payment platform. All other aspects of forest management remain the same. All staff, including scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, will be retained," Lemarkoko said in a statement, Saturday.

He also assured visitors that their experience would not be disrupted.

Holders of annual passes can continue using them until expiry, while daily visitors will now pay by phone or card, with a wait time of about one minute, he said.

Visitors on Saturday reported sharp fee increases, with entry charges rising to Sh206 from Sh100, and parking fees allegedly climbing to Sh406 from Sh300.

On Friday, Friends of Karura staged demonstrations at the forest entrance to oppose the directive requiring all payments, including gate entry, service, and parking fees, to be made through e-Citizen.

The group said it was not consulted and argued the move undermines the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021-2041), a legally recognised agreement that mandates joint management of the forest by the Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association.