The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has assured visitors to Nairobi’s Karura Forest that their experience will remain seamless despite the recent transition to eCitizen payments. In a statement released on Saturday, August 30, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko emphasized that the shift only affects the mode of payment, with all other operations in the forest remaining unchanged.
Lemarkoko noted that the new system, which allows payments via phone or card, has been designed to minimize disruption. “Visitors will experience an average wait time of only one minute at entry points. Those holding annual passes can continue using them until they expire,” KFS stated.
To oversee the transition, Lemarkoko visited Karura at dawn, where he engaged with visitors, service providers, scouts, and KFS staff. He further assured workers, including clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, that their jobs would not be affected by the change.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of protests staged on Friday, August 29, by the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), an environmental group that has played a key role in the forest’s restoration and conservation efforts. The activists voiced their disapproval of the mandatory shift to the government’s eCitizen platform, arguing that the move was implemented without proper consultation.
“Unfortunately, the FKF was not informed of this significant decision, which will disrupt our operations. The government has taken control of the forest income without prior notice or alternative financing for staff and service contracts, effective today,” FKF said in a statement.
Videos circulating online showed agitated protesters at Karura’s Kiambu Road entrance, where they hurled water bottles and other objects in opposition to the new system. Local residents also joined the demonstrations, accusing the government of seeking to take over revenue collection despite not having been directly involved in Karura’s years-long rehabilitation.
Despite the tension, KFS maintains that the new payment model is aimed at improving accountability, efficiency, and visitor convenience. With Nairobi residents flocking to Karura as one of the city’s most treasured green spaces, the coming weeks will test how smoothly the transition balances government oversight with the interests of conservation partners and the public.
