Late last night, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) announced via social media that it would assume sole control of all payments at Karura Forest Reserve entrances — including gate entry, parking, annual passes and other services — through the nation-wide eCitizen platform.

This morning, Kenya Forest Service Rangers and Administrative staff were deployed at all Karura gates to implement the change.

For over 15 years, entrance fees have been collected under a legally binding, 20-year joint-management agreement between KFS and the Friends of Karura Forest
(FKF) Community Forest Association (CFA). The funds have transparently
supported operations, staff, security, infrastructure, and forest regeneration. No
replacement mechanism has been communicated, even though the Friends of
Karura Forest CFA remains contractually liable for existing obligations.

Fees have also been increased without consultation, with VAT and an eCitizen
processing charge added. This is a significant rise, particularly for Kenyan citizens
and children, who have benefited from low entry rates for nearly two decades.

The Friends of Karura Forest — a non-profit community association dedicated to
protecting Karura — was not consulted on these changes and has been ordered
today to withdraw its staff from the forest with immediate effect.

The abrupt move undermines the vision of Karura’s Founder Patron, Nobel
Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, who championed Karura as a global model for
public–private partnership in conservation.

FKF regrets any inconvenience to visitors and supporters. For questions or
feedback, please contact the Kenya Forest Service directly. FKF will provide
further updates as the situation develops via our social media and website.

The Secretary

Friends of Karura Community Forest Association