KFS explains hike in Karura Forest entry charges

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified the recent increase in entry fees at Karura Forest, attributing the changes to additional charges introduced under the government’s e-Citizen payment platform.

KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the adjustment was necessary to cover Value Added Tax (VAT) and a convenience fee charged per transaction.

He noted that while fees appear higher, the system also makes group visits more affordable.

“Because it’s a government accounting process, VAT has to be paid. That is one. Two, for e-Citizen, we have a convenience fee per transaction, not per person. So if 20 people came as a group and they wanted to pay, they would pay once. That means the Sh50 fee applies to the whole group, not per head,” Lemarkoko explained in an interview with Spice FM on Tuesday.

Under the new structure, visitors will pay an extra Sh16 in VAT per entry and Sh50 per transaction.

Solo visitors will now pay Sh166 each, while a group of 20 people will be charged per person plus Sh50 for the entire transaction.

However, a statement released by the Friends of Karura Forest indicated slightly different figures.

According to the lobby, the adult entry fee has risen from Sh100 to Sh174, while children’s charges have increased from Sh50 to Sh116 following the shift to e-Citizen.

Beyond fee adjustments, the new system has also led to significant job losses.

More than 500 people have been affected, including 122 scout workers and about 400 community support staff previously engaged in Karura Forest operations.

KFS is encouraging visitors to use the e-Citizen platform to avoid delays at entry points and to ensure secure, cashless transactions.

The service has defended the increase, saying the additional revenue will support conservation, maintenance, and security within Karura Forest.

Karura, one of Nairobi’s most popular urban forests, attracts thousands of visitors each month and is considered a key environmental and recreational hub.

KFS assured the public that the new charges will help maintain its role as a safe and sustainable green space for the city.