Why Karura Forest entry costs increased: KFS explains VAT, e-Citizen charges

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has explained the recent rise in entry fees at Karura Forest, linking it to new charges introduced through the government’s e-Citizen payment system.

KFS said the adjustment was necessary to cover Value Added Tax (VAT) and a convenience fee applied per transaction, not per person.

KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, said that the changes are part of government accounting requirements.

“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,” he said.

Under the revised structure, each entry now carries an extra Sh16 in VAT, while a Sh50 fee applies per transaction. Solo visitors will pay Sh166, while a group of 20 will pay per person plus Sh50 for the entire transaction.

However, the Friends of Karura Forest lobby group reported slightly higher amounts, saying adult entry has increased from Sh100 to Sh174 and children’s fees from Sh50 to Sh116 following the move to e-Citizen.

The new system has also resulted in job losses, affecting more than 500 staff. This includes 122 scout workers and approximately 400 community support employees previously involved in forest operations.

KFS is urging visitors to adopt the e-Citizen platform to avoid delays at entry points and to ensure safe, cashless payments. The agency said the additional revenue will be reinvested in forest conservation, security, and maintenance.

Karura Forest, one of Nairobi’s most visited urban forests, draws thousands of visitors every month. KFS emphasized that the fee changes aim to preserve its status as a safe and sustainable recreational and environmental space for the city.