Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised serious concerns over recent developments at Karura Forest.

Maraga highlighted the lack of public consultation and the sudden implementation of a centralised e-Citizen payment system, warning that these moves threaten both community management and constitutional principles.

“Yesterday’s developments at Karura Forest are a cause of great concern. For 15 years, Karura Forest has been a respite for Nairobians and families as green spaces continue to diminish in the once ‘Green City in the Sun.’ The lack of public participation regarding the change in the management of Karura Forest is a clear violation of Article 10 of the Constitution,” he wrote, taking to X on Saturday, 30 August 2025.

Maraga criticised the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for introducing a centralised e-Citizen payment system without consulting the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), the community group co-managing the forest. He pointed out that the move, coupled with a sharp increase in entry and parking fees, raises questions about the government’s true intentions.

The controversy began on Friday, August 29, when FKF members staged protests at the forest’s Kiambu Road entrance. FKF warned that the e-Citizen system would severely disrupt forest operations and encouraged visitors to direct complaints to KFS.

Management remains, fees rise

KFS clarified on Saturday that management of the forest had not changed, only the payment platform had. Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko assured the public that all staff, including scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, would remain in place. He added that holders of annual passes could continue using them until expiry and that daily visitors would experience only a brief one-minute wait when paying via phone or card.

Despite this assurance, reports indicated entry fees rose from Ksh100 to Ksh206, and parking fees jumped to Ksh406. Environmental groups, including the Green Belt Movement, condemned the shift, arguing it undermined the legally recognised Karura Forest Management Plan (2021–2041), which mandates joint management of the forest by KFS and FKF.

Maraga’s post reflected wider concern over what he described as “duplicitous leadership” under President Ruto, accusing the administration of saying one thing and doing another. He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant in protecting natural resources, stressing that the custodians of the Constitution and the environment would not allow the destruction of Karura Forest.

Karura Forest remains a vital green space for Nairobi, and the debate over its management highlights tensions between government directives and community stewardship.