Friends of Karura Forest to sue KFS over "unilateral" eCitizen takeover
The dispute follows KFS's announcement that all payments for entry, annual passes, parking and other services will now be processed exclusively through the government’s eCitizen platform.
Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Association has vowed to sue the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), saying its move to take over all entry and service fee collections at Karura Forest was carried out without consultation, disregarding a 20-year joint management agreement that has governed the forest’s operations and funding for more than 15 years.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Nation FM -Fixing the Nation show, FKF Board Member Prof. Karanja Njoroge warned that the takeover threatens staff jobs and undermines long-standing conservation initiatives.
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“We have signed agreements, and we’ll go to court. The only place you can run when you are under attack is the judicial system, which can examine the investments we’ve made; our blood, work, sweat and money,” Njoroge said.
The dispute follows KFS's announcement that all payments for entry, annual passes, parking and other services will now be processed exclusively through the government’s eCitizen platform. KFS deployed rangers and administrative staff to enforce the change, ordering FKF staff to step aside immediately.
Njoroge described the move as unilateral and hostile, arguing that it violates the cooperative framework of the joint management committee (JMC).
Under the arrangement, FKF said revenue from entrance fees, events and other activities was deposited into a joint account. These funds were then used to pay salaries for FKF staff, maintain the fence and infrastructure, implement silvicultural activities, and support the Karura Forest Management Plan.
However, FKF says KFS is now undermining the agreement by transitioning the payments to the eCitizen platform.
Njoroge also argued that the changes, including fee increases to VAT and processing charges, disproportionately affect Kenyan citizens and children who have long benefited from affordable access.
He further criticised Kenya’s overall performance in forest management, saying the country lags behind even Somalia in conservation efforts. He emphasised that the Kenya Forest Service must respect the agreed co-management framework with the Friends of Karura Forest.
He also slammed KFS over rapid development projects inside the forest, including the construction of a tarmac road near staff housing.
“We woke up to bulldozers and road machines. When we sought to inspect the work, we were denied access. This is not how we have operated in 15 years. We are working with a partner that is hostile and dismissive,” he said.
He raised further concerns about timber harvesting, noting that KFS exceeded agreed limits, cutting 35 hectares instead of the approved 10.
“It is painful. We approved only 10 hectares, but they harvested 35. This is damaging to forest conservation,” he said, highlighting the importance of following the joint management plan to transform the forest into an indigenous ecosystem.
FKF urged citizens, conservationists and well-wishers to support efforts to safeguard Karura.
“This is a renewed fight for Karura. We are mobilising Kenyans to protect this important part of our country’s history. KFS cannot just take over and act without consultation,” Njoroge said.
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