The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has moved to debunk growing fears over the management of Karura Forest, following a viral online petition calling for the reversal of recent changes in revenue collection.
The petition alleges that Karura Forest is becoming insecure, with possible land grabbing and job losses for workers previously under the Community Forest Association (CFA).
Additionally, it demands that the CFA continue to collect gate fees and other charges as before.
However, KFS has stated that the claims are false and misleading. It has assured Kenyans that Karura is safe, secure, and under proper management.
The petition is urging the public to push for a return to the previous system, whereby the Community Forest Association was collecting all revenue and utilizing it to fund management of the forest.
The petition further alleges that there is a danger of Karura forest becoming an insecure area, and there are chances of grabbing and encroachment. This is completely false, and the Service wishes to reassure the public as follows.
Also Read: Kenya’s Hidden Gems: Inside Brackenhurst Botanical Garden, the Next Karura Forest
Kenya Forest Service Dismisses Security Concerns
The Service also dismissed claims that Karura Forest could again become unsafe for visitors.
“Security of Karura forest is assured due to the existence of an electric fence and continuous patrols by Forest Rangers and Community scouts. This will not change,” stated KFS.
It explained that reforms over the past three decades have protected forests from encroachment and land grabbing.
“The narrative that is being used by the CFA to keep reminding the public of how insecure Karura forest was in the past is misleading because there is no possibility of reversing gains made over the years,” added the statement.
Moreover, the statement indicated that only the mode of revenue collection has changed. All other aspects of co-management between KFS and the CFA remain intact.
“Apart from changing the mode of revenue collection, all other aspects of joint co-managemement of Karura forest remain the same. The Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 requires the Service to work with forest adjacent communities to co-manage all gazetted forests.”
Also Read: KFS Boss Sets Record Straight on Karura Forest ‘Takeover’
No Job Losses or Land Grabbing
On the issue of employment, KFS reassured the public that no jobs are at risk.
“The Karura CFA employees will continue with their normal duties, and the notion that there will be job losses is false and misleading, and none of these employees have received any communication to terminate their services,” noted the statement.
Also, the service has clarified that despite fears being spread online, visitors continue streaming into Karura Forest for recreational activities.
“Despite efforts to spread false information to scare off visitors, the public has continued streaming into the forest to undertake various recreational activities.”
Therefore, Kenyans have been asked to ignore the online petition and seek clarification directly from its offices.
“The public is therefore urged to disregard the online petition and seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service on any matter of concern. All are welcome to visit Karura, and gates open between 6.00 am and 6.00pm daily,” added the statement.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
