Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has assured normal operations at Karura Forest despite a fraction of employees failing to report back to work amid a tussle over a change in payment systems.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 4, KFS said operations at the urban forest have continued as usual, with visitors streaming in for recreational activities.
"Operations at Karura Forest have been ongoing as normal, and visitors have continued streaming into this urban forest for recreational activities. Kenya Forest Service, in partnership with employees of the Community Forest Association, is continuing to offer normal services to all visitors," KFS said.
The service noted that Community Forest Association staff working with KFS include clerks, scouts, tree and nursery attendants, and general maintenance staff.
"Patrols within the forest and around the perimeter electric fence have also been ongoing as normal to safeguard the forest," the statement read.
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KFS assured that all budgetary provisions per the submitted annual work plan and budget for 2025/2026 will be honored and funded accordingly.
According to the statement, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko has reassured all employees that there will be no job losses.
However, KFS acknowledged that some Community Forest Association employees have opted not to report back to work despite several calls to do so.
"Kenya Forest Service is committed to developing the ecotourism potential of various urban forests to ensure city dwellers enjoy serene green spaces, and the Service calls upon all partners to support the Service in this endeavor," the statement concluded.
The staff boycott comes following KFS's decision to shift all payments for services at Karura Forest to the e-Citizen platform.
The new payment system, which took effect on August 29, requires visitors to pay for gate entry, parking, and related services through the government's digital platform using Paybill number 222222.
KFS implemented the change following a government directive requiring all public services to be integrated into the e-Citizen platform. The service stated that the transition aimed to improve public service delivery's transparency, security, and efficiency.
The move has been opposed by the Friends of Karura Forest Association, which has threatened legal action over the payment system change.
The association claims it was not consulted before introducing the new system and argues that KFS has violated existing forest management agreements.
Association board member Karanja Njoroge stated that the group had invested Ksh37 million in the forest and accused KFS of threatening the jobs of facility staff.
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