The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has defended the recent increase in entry fees at Karura Forest, explaining that the revision is linked to new charges under the government’s e-Citizen payment platform.
KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the adjustment was necessary to cater for Value Added Tax (VAT) and a convenience fee applied to each transaction.
“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.
What Visitors Will Now Pay
Under the new structure, visitors will pay an additional Ksh16 in VAT per entry and Ksh50 per transaction.
A solo visitor will now be charged Ksh166, while a group of 20 people will each pay the entry fee plus a single Ksh50 transaction charge for the entire group. Lemarkoko argued that while individual visitors may feel the pinch, the system makes group visits more affordable.
Job Losses Reported
Beyond the fee adjustments, the new payment system has reportedly caused significant job losses. More than 500 people have been affected, including 122 scout workers and about 400 community support staff who previously worked at Karura Forest.
KFS is encouraging visitors to use the e-Citizen platform to avoid delays at entry points and to ensure safe, cashless transactions. The agency assured the public that the new charges will sustain Karura as a secure and well-maintained green space for Nairobi residents.
The service has defended the fee hike, maintaining that the additional revenue will directly support conservation, maintenance, and security within Karura Forest.
