The Green Belt Movement (GBM) criticized the government on 29 August for what it described as the forceful takeover of Karura Forest, which took effect on 29 August 2025.
The takeover follows a notice dated August 28 by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), which announced that all payments for gate entry, parking, and related services will now be made exclusively through the official eCitizen platform using Paybill number 222222.
According to the GBM, the action contravenes the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021–2041), a framework developed through extensive consultation to safeguard the forest’s ecological and cultural heritage.
GBM protests violation of the Forest Management Plan
GBM said the takeover undermines the long-standing co-management model with the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association (FKCFA), which has guided Karura’s transformation over the years.
The group linked the action to ongoing legal disputes, including a case that successfully stopped the excision of 51.64 acres for road expansion and another challenging the tarmacking of internal forest trails.
“To dismantle this model and forcefully take over Karura is to undo decades of hard work, community investment, and national pride,” GBM said in the statement.
Legacy of Conservation Struggle
The organisation reminded the public of Karura’s history, noting that the late Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai and concerned citizens risked their lives to protect it when it faced destruction.
Also Read: Govt Introduces New Payment System for Karura Forest Visitors
GBM added that before the community partnership, Karura was unsafe, under threat from criminal activity, and neglected.
The co-management framework, GM argued, has since restored security, biodiversity, and access to the forest, drawing over 70,000 monthly visitors.
Call to Action
GBM urged the government to halt the move and called on Kenyans, the civil society, and conservation groups to unite in defending public forests.
“Karura Forest is not just trees and trails; it is a living legacy of courage and resilience,” the statement read.
The organisation warned that if unchecked, Karura could set a precedent for the exploitation of other forests.
Also Read: Court Stops Govt from Grabbing Karura Forest
GBM reaffirmed its resolve to resist any encroachment, declaring, “We shall not relent. Karura must be defended.”
Govt Introduces New Payment System for Karura Forest Visitors
Karura Forest announced the adoption of a new payment model, effective Friday, August 29, 2025, in line with the Government of Kenya’s directive to streamline public service payments on a centralized platform.
“Karura Forest embraces the e-citizen payment method. Kenya Forest Service wishes to inform all visitors that all payments for gate entry, parking, and related services in Karura Forest, including the Sigiria block, will be made exclusively through the official e-Citizen platform effective Friday, 29th August 2025,” said KFS.
Friends of Karura Forest response
The Friends of Karura Community Forest Association (FKF-CFA), in a notice dated August 29, raised concerns over the Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) unilateral takeover of all payments at Karura Forest Reserve entrances, including gate fees, parking, annual passes, and other services through the eCitizen platform.
The move, implemented without consultation, disrupts a 20-year joint management agreement under which FKF-CFA has collected fees for more than 15 years to fund forest operations, staff, security, infrastructure, and restoration.
The association also criticized sudden fee increases, including VAT and eCitizen charges, which affect long-standing affordable rates for citizens and children.
FKF-CFA warned that the abrupt decision undermines the vision of Karura’s founder, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, and threatens the sustainability of the forest’s management.
“The abrupt move may undermine 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,” the statement read in part.
The association urged visitors and supporters to stay informed through its social media and website as the situation unfolds.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
