A fresh dispute has emerged surrounding the management of Nairobi’s iconic Karura Forest, following concerns raised by the Friends of Karura Forest Association (FKF) over what they describe as an alleged unilateral takeover by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). In a statement released on Friday 29th August 2025, FKF strongly criticized recent developments particularly the introduction of the e-Citizen payment system and what they term as a deviation from the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021–2041).
FKF emphasized that the 2021–2041 management plan is a legally recognized 20-year agreement, which mandates joint management of Karura Forest between the Kenya Forest Service and the community-based association.
The association further claimed that they were not consulted on any proposed changes regarding the forest’s management or payment system.
Security and Conservation Legacy at Risk
FKF noted that before its active involvement, Karura Forest was plagued by insecurity and neglect, adding that years of community-driven efforts had transformed the forest into one of Nairobi’s safest and most accessible green spaces. The association fears that the new changes could undermine their role in maintaining conservation standards and community participation.
Public Protest and KFS Presence
In a video shared circulating online, several FKF members and supporters were seen participating in a peaceful protest, voicing their frustrations. Protesters chanted, waved sticks, and banged plastic bins to express their disapproval. The demonstration attracted the attention of KFS officers, who arrived at the site as the protest unfolded.
KFS Confirms e-Citizen Rollout
In a parallel statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), the Kenya Forest Service confirmed the rollout of entry payments through the government’s e-Citizen platform.
Karura Forest goes live with e-Citizen payment payments. Smooth transition this morning as visitors to Karura Forest pay entry fees through the E-Citizen platform
Kenya Forest ServiceDispute Centers on Authority and Transparency
The core of the dispute lies in two main issues that is the management authority over Karura Forest and the implementation of e-Citizen payment systems without stakeholder consultation. FKF argues that such changes, while possibly intended to streamline revenue collection, were not part of the jointly agreed management plan and may affect transparency, conservation oversight, and community trust.
Conclusion
Spanning over 1,000 hectares, Karura Forest is among Nairobi’s largest urban green spaces. It has been co-managed for years under a participatory agreement between KFS and FKF. The Friends of Karura Forest Association is a voluntary, membership-based organization that includes resident associations, corporate partners, and individual citizens. According to their website, FKF is committed to protecting Karura Forest for future generations through a model of participatory forest management
