KFS strikes deal to address Karura Forest standoff
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 31, 2025The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reassured the public that operations at Karura Forest continue as normal, with Forest Rangers working closely alongside the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Community Forest Association (CFA) to manage all entry points.
The collaboration, revealed via Kenya Forest Service X account on Sunday, August 31, 2025, reflects a longstanding partnership in co-managing this vital green resource for Nairobi.
“Today operations at Karura Forest have continued as normal, with KFS Forest Rangers and Scouts of the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Community Forest Association (CFA),conducting joint access control at all points of entry. This cordial working relationship will continue as the Service is obliged to work with the CFA in co –management of this vital resource,” the statement read.
Speaking to the press, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko emphasised that the joint access control demonstrates KFS’s commitment to sustainable conservation and co-management.
He explained that the recent move to the government’s e-Citizen platform is primarily a compliance measure aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, rather than changing management or limiting community involvement.
Lemarkoko called on FKF to continue working hand in hand with KFS.
“We run the forest jointly through the Forest Management Committee, which includes three members from FKF and three from KFS. Development plans, work plans, and budgets are approved through this framework. The Service is only complying with the law, and community involvement remains at the centre of Karura’s future,” he said.
Preserving Karura Forest together
Karura Forest has long been a crucial green space for Nairobi residents, offering recreation, wellness, and environmental education. It attracts over half a million visitors annually and features walking and cycling trails, picnic sites, and other activities. Infrastructure improvements are carefully managed, ensuring that road networks and operational facilities do not compromise ecological integrity.
Security and day-to-day operations remain unchanged, with KFS Rangers continuing to collaborate with community scouts to safeguard both the forest and its visitors. The public is encouraged to continue enjoying the forest, which has become a model of urban conservation in Africa.
By embracing digitisation through e-Citizen while maintaining co-management structures, KFS aims to protect Karura Forest for future generations. The initiative seeks to strengthen accountability, improve visitor experience, and ensure the forest’s sustainable use.