The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a stern advisory to the public following the overflow of rivers within Karura Forest.

KFS has issued the advisory at a time when heavy rains have been witnessed in many parts of the country.

In a statement on their X handle on Friday, March 6, 2026, KFS has noted that the sudden surge in water levels is attributed to the ongoing heavy rainfall experienced in the region over the past few days. KFS has confirmed that key trails leading to the forest’s iconic caves, waterfalls, and bridges have been temporarily closed to safeguard visitors from potential hazards.

“Due to the ongoing heavy rainfalls, rivers flowing through Karura Forest have burst their banks. As a result, paths leading to the caves, waterfalls and bridges have been closed off. No member of the public is allowed to get into that area until further notice. The public is advised to exercise caution and report to the Foresters’ office for any concerns,” the KFS statement read.

KFS authorities emphasised that nobody in the population could enter the affected premises until it was announced, stating that the security of visitors is paramount.

The KFS has also noted that it is also advisable that any effort to enter into restricted trails may be life-threatening since some riverbanks are now unsteady and water stream currents are very dangerous. The presence of foresters on the ground is observing the rivers at close quarters and examining the possibilities of other forest areas being at risk. Tourists interested in recreational purposes in Karura Forest are advised to use alternative paths and follow the directives given by KFS properly.

KFS preparedness for emergency responses

The agency has further stated that it is also liaising with the local authorities to have a quick response in case any emergency occurs as a result of flooding or erosion. The shutdown shows how the changing weather patterns in Kenya are becoming problematic, especially in green areas in urban areas where there is heavy pedestrian traffic and the trails are small, hence increasing the risks during the bad weather conditions.

The KFS has committed to keep on updating the situation regularly and will not be able to lift restrictions until it is safe to do so.

The advisory notice and the indefinite closure of Karura Forest have come at a time when the Kenya Meteorological Department has reported the heavy rainfall to be a bigger weather system that is touching various regions in the country and recording higher than normal levels of precipitation in the last week.

The weather department has also given warnings of possible flooding in the low-lying regions, and people are urged to be more alert and obey the safety measures released by the local authorities.