The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reiterated that payments related to entry and services within Karura Forest will strictly be made through the eCitizen platform.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 2, the agency said the shift is in line with government directives aimed at improving service delivery and accountability in public institutions.
"In line with national government directives, KFS remains fully committed to the use of the eCitizen platform for all payments related to access and services within Karura Forest.
"This policy is mandatory and must be adhered to without exception as part of broader efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery across all government institutions," the statement read.
KFS explained that the new changes does not affect the forest’s security and conservation measures, which remain in place to safeguard both visitors and the environment.
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"KFS confirms that all security and forest operations remain unchanged, with rangers and community scouts working hand in hand to ensure the safety of both the environment and its visitors.
"The public is encouraged to continue enjoying the forest, which remains a leading model for sustainable urban conservation in Africa," the statement added.
KFS announced the changes on Friday, August 29, noting that the new payment method took effect immediately.
KFS stated that all payments for gate entry, parking, and related services in Karura Forest will now be paid through the eCitizen platform Paybill number 222222.
KFS explained that the KFS move follows a directive from the Government requiring the onboarding of all government services onto the e-Citizen platform.
"Kenya Forest Service wishes to inform all visitors that, in line with the Government of Kenya’s directive on the onboarding of all government services and closure of non-designated payment platforms (National Treasury Circular CAB/ADM.2A/6 Vol.1/(122)), 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 (Paybill 222222) effective Friday, 29th August 2025,” read the statement in part.
Following the move, Friends of Karura Forest Association (FKF) announced that it will move to court to challenge the decision.
Speaking on Monday, September 1, FKF board member Karanja Njoroge said the association was not consulted before KFS decided to introduce a new payment system for Karura Forest.
He also argued that the KFS takeover of the forest has threatened the jobs of FKF staff who have been working in the forest.
"We have signed agreements, and we will go to court. The only place you can run when you are under attack is the judicial system, which looks at the situation, the investments we have made, our blood, work, sweat, and money.
"People greedy enough come and not just take what we have arranged for the community pay, but also increase; it's painful, any fair person can see the pain with this attitude of a government office," he said.
Njoroge further pointed out that KFS violated the existing Karura Forest management plan 2021–2041, noting that KFS should have negotiated with FKF before changing the Karura Forest fee payments to eCitizen.
"We invested Ksh37 million, even more, in Karura Forest. That could have been negotiated around a table, you don’t look down on us like we don’t matter," he added.
