Operations at Karura Forest are running smoothly following a joint access control exercise conducted by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers and community scouts from the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Community Forest Association (CFA).The partnership, KFS said, reflects its mandate to co-manage the vital urban forest alongside the CFA.
Speaking to the press, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko reaffirmed that the agency remains committed to sustainable conservation and collaboration with community partners.
Transparency Through Digitization
Mr. Lemarkoko explained that recent changes — such as moving payments for forest services to the government’s eCitizen platform — are part of compliance efforts meant to strengthen transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
He further called on the Friends of Karura Forest to continue supporting the long-standing co-management model that has guided the forest’s development.
“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 center of Karura’s future,” said Lemarkoko.
Karura’s Role as a Green Urban Space
Over the years, Karura Forest has evolved into a popular green sanctuary for Nairobi residents and visitors, attracting more than half a million visitors annually. It offers a wide range of facilities, including walking and cycling trails, picnic sites, and other recreational amenities. KFS noted that infrastructure upgrades remain limited to staff and operational areas to safeguard both accessibility and ecological integrity.
Security and Community Partnership
Security arrangements also remain unchanged. KFS rangers and community scouts continue to patrol the forest jointly, ensuring the safety of visitors and the protection of natural resources.
KFS encouraged the public to keep patronizing Karura Forest, describing it as a model of urban conservation in Africa. The agency emphasized that through digitization, accountability, and close community involvement, Karura will be preserved for generations while offering improved experiences to visitors.
