KFS Defends Increase in Karura Forest Entry Fees
The Conservator further disclosed that the Ksh50 convenience fee has been included in every transaction on the eCitizen platform.
On 29th August 2025, Friday, KFS announced that all payments will only be made via the eCitizen platform. The announcement also instructed FKF officials, such as scouts and security officers, to vacate the forest grounds by 1 pm on the same day. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/KaruraFriends
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has explained why it raised the entry fees at Karura Forest. Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko explained that the increases took place following the implementation of new charges that had not been in effect previously.
He noted that the management of Karura Forest had not been paying Value Added Tax (VAT) in the past. With current government systems in place, VAT should be levied on all collections. “Karura was not charging VAT in the past. But now, through government accounting, VAT has to be paid,” Lemarkoko explained.
Convenience Fee on eCitizen
The Conservator further disclosed that the Ksh50 convenience fee has been included in every transaction on the eCitizen platform. He said it is not per person but per payment.
“Assume that 20 people came together as a group and paid together, they would pay just one convenience fee of Ksh50 for the whole transaction,” he clarified.
Fallout With Friends of Karura
Lemarkoko’s rationalization comes after a public confrontation with the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Community Forest Association. The organization recently reacted angrily following KFS’s move to take sole authority over forest entrance fees and management.
On 29th August 2025, Friday, KFS announced that all payments will only be made via the eCitizen platform. The announcement also instructed FKF officials, such as scouts and security officers, to vacate the forest grounds by 1 pm on the same day.
The order was met with criticism, with FKF describing the reforms as being capable of scuttling Karura Forest’s future.
Fears For Future Governance
Karanja Njoroge, a former FKF chairman and present board member, was worried about the future of the forest. He stated that the sudden takeover generated more questions than answers concerning long-term management.
“We keep getting more and more apprehensive about what the future is going to bring for Karura, as there is no clear line of how it is being managed,” Njoroge stated.
Balancing Revenue and Conservation
The row also highlights the tension between government agencies and conservation associations over resources management. While KFS argues that the adjustments are part of government revenue instruments and transparency, FKF is confident that impulsive decisions can undermine years of community conservation efforts.
For now, Karura visitors will be paying the revised admission fees, including VAT and the convenience of the transaction fee.
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