The Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) sincerely thank all our members and supporters and offer this update on the disruptive events of 29 August 2025 which put at risk the long-running, highly successful joint management of Karura, established under the Forest Management Agreement between FKF and KFS.
Gate Clerks are back
We hope you have noticed that our Gate Clerks are back at their posts and are now ticketing for entry, parking, and other activities. The rest of the staff have also resumed their previous duties keeping the forest well maintained and secure.
Reduced eCitizen platform fee
As before, daily entry fees are paid at the gates using your phone (not in advance) although the system is now eCitizen. The entry price now includes a pro-rated eCitizen convenience fee per overall transaction, rather than the flat KSh50 rate. The 16% VAT remains. As an example, an adult citizen entering alone now pays KSh121 (KSh100 entrance fee, KSh16 VAT and KSh5 convenience fee).
Fees returning to forest
In addition, all funds from entry fees, parking, passes, picnics etc. are now being channeled from eCitizen directly to the Karura account jointly run by FKF and KFS every two days. This means we can continue to pay staff and contractors, restore the forest, and maintain the facilities. The 2025 – 26 annual Karura Workplan and Budget has been signed and can now be implemented.
FKF-run activities including bike-hire, etc.
One key outstanding issue remains the refusal of KFS to allow FKF to exercise its user rights and restart activities such as the bike rentals, eco tours, the tree nursery and selling of maps and merchandise. Previously, funds from these activities went into the FKF account supporting under-privileged communities bordering the forest with school bursaries, subsidized school visits, and other initiatives. We oppose calls for this revenue, which is not connected to any government services, to be paid through eCtizen and continue to press for these activities to be immediately restarted using the previous payment system.
KFEET (Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust)
As one of KFEET’s partners, along with Vivo Energy, KFS, Greenbelt and Oshwal, we are hoping for a speedy solution to the current challenges affecting its wonderful work which would also allow the tennis courts to be reopened.
For further updates please visit our website www.friendsofkarura.org or @karurafriends on social media
Thank you again for your support, which has been crucial for us during the past months. Let’s keep Karura as the People’s Forest.
Sincerely,
The Secretary , Friends of Karura Community Forest Association
