The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Chief Conservator, Alex Lemarkoko, has clarified reports regarding claims of a takeover of revenue collection at Karura Forest following the government’s directive that all payments be made through the eCitizen platform.
Speaking in a media interview on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Lemarkoko dismissed reports suggesting that the arrangement had altered KFS’ partnership with the Community Forest Association (CFA).
“There is no change in partnership. KFS remains the principal manager working with the CFA. The only change is that funds will now be channeled through another process. The meeting, chaired by the PS, was simply to iron out the processes and how they will be implemented,” he explained.
Lemarkoko added that the CFA had expressed concerns about the directive, particularly how their operations would continue to be financed.
“This is the time when the CFA raised its fears. It was assured that all operations will still be financed through the approved government system. It is not about partnership—the partnership continues,” he said.
KFS Denies Claims of Revenue Collection ‘Takeover’ at Karura Forest
He further clarified that the management of funds remains unchanged.
“How will it be managed? It will be managed as it has always been managed. The only change is the flow of resources. The money will first be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and then released for management. Nothing else will change,” he stated, adding that KFS will continue to jointly manage the revenue with the CFA.
Also Read: Green Belt Movement Responds to Gov’t Forceful Takeover of Karura Forest
The KFS official also explained the recent increase in Karura Forest entry fees, attributing it to the introduction of VAT and convenience charges tied to the eCitizen platform.
“Previously, Karura was not charging VAT. Now, because it is a government accounting process, VAT must be paid. Secondly, for eCitizen, a convenience fee is charged per transaction, not per person. If 20 people come as a group, they will pay once, and the KSh 50 convenience fee will apply to the entire group. So the only additions are VAT and the convenience fee,” the KFS representative said.
FKF and GBM Oppose New Directive
On August 29, 2025, KFS announced that all payments for gate entry, parking, and other services at Karura Forest must now be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform using Paybill number 222222.
The agency stated that this initiative is part of a nationwide effort to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in public revenue collection.
Also Read: Govt Introduces New Payment System for Karura Forest Visitors
KFS maintained that the forest’s management remains unchanged and that collaboration with the CFA continues. However, both the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) and Green Belt Movement (GBM) condemned the directive as a “forceful takeover,” arguing that it violates the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021–2041). The plan is a legally binding agreement requiring joint management between KFS and FKF.
The groups warned that the loss of direct control over revenue collection threatens key operations at Karura, including staff salaries, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts that have transformed the once crime-ridden forest into a safe urban sanctuary attracting more than 70,000 visitors every month.
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