The Green Belt Movement has strongly condemned what it describes as a ‘forceful takeover’ of Karura Forest by the Kenya Forest Service, following the government agency's announcement of new payment procedures for forest services.
In a statement released on Friday, August 29, the environmental organization expressed alarm over KFS's decision to implement exclusive digital payment systems at the urban forest.
The controversy stems from KFS's recent announcement that all visitor payments for Karura Forest services must now be processed through the government's e-Citizen digital platform.
The forest service implemented the new payment system on Friday, requiring all gate entry fees, parking charges, and related services to be paid exclusively through the e-Citizen platform using Paybill number 222222.
KFS justified the change as compliance with a government directive mandating that all public services migrate to the centralized e-Citizen platform.
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The Green Belt Movement argued that this action directly violates the July 2011 Karura Forest Management Agreement, a plan developed through extensive consultation and designed to safeguard the ecological, cultural, and historical heritage of Karura Forest.
The environmental group's opposition comes shortly after the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association joined GBM in protesting KFS actions on August 26, 2025, defending Karura against what they describe as an attempted eviction of 51.64 acres for the expansion of Kiambu Road.
“It is important to remind the public that Karura Forest is a product of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. The late Professor Wangari Maathai and courageous citizens risked their lives to defend Karura when it was threatened with destruction. Their determination ensured that Karura remained standing, and today it thrives as a symbol of what is possible when people stand together for the environment,” the movement stated.
The Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), the community trust that has co-managed the forest for over a decade, has launched physical protests at the Karura entrance. They oppose KFS's move and note that they were not consulted before the decision.
FKF also added that the move would leave the organization without money or resources to pay the salaries of its workers and contractors.
“We expect this unilateral decision by KFS to disrupt all forest operations severely. We apologize for any inconvenience to our visitors and encourage inquiries or complaints to be directed to KFS,” Friends of Karura stated.
