Karura Forest moves to e-Citizen for all payments
This new directive takes effect from Friday, August 29, 2025, and includes payments for services at all entry points, including the Sigiria block.
Visitors to Nairobi’s Karura Forest will now have to make all entry and parking payments through the government’s e-Citizen platform, as part of a wider push by the National Treasury to phase out alternative payment systems.
This new directive takes effect from Friday, August 29, 2025, and includes payments for services at all entry points, including the Sigiria block.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) confirmed the changes in a public notice, stating that all gate entry, parking, and related service payments must now be made using the e-Citizen Paybill number 222222.
This shift is part of a broader government plan to improve service delivery in public institutions.
"This transition is part of a nationwide initiative to improve transparency, security, and efficiency in public service delivery while making your experience more convenient," the KFS stated.
According to the statement, while the mode of payment has changed, the day-to-day operations at Karura Forest will remain unchanged.
The forest will continue to host the usual activities such as jogging, cycling, nature walks, and picnics that make it one of Nairobi’s most visited green spaces.
“All other activities and services in Karura Forest will continue as usual, and our collaboration with the Community Forest Association remains unchanged,” KFS said, reassuring the public that the new system will not interfere with their outdoor experiences.
Officials added that the digital payment system is meant to ensure public money is handled in a more secure and accountable way.
The KFS encouraged the public to continue visiting and using the forest, while also welcoming any feedback that could help improve service delivery.
"We invite you to continue enjoying Karura Forest and welcome your feedback to help us enhance our services," the statement read.
The e-Citizen platform allows Kenyans to access various government services, including driving license renewal, passport applications, and business registration.
Its use is now being extended to more government agencies and services in line with the government’s goal of centralising payments.
Back in August 2023, President William Ruto directed all government bodies to adopt a single official Paybill number, 222222 for receiving payments.
He emphasized the need for a unified system to enhance efficiency and prevent data loss.
As part of this move, all ministries, departments, and agencies are required to give a progress report on their transition to e-Citizen services ahead of a September 30 deadline.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u had officially designated eCitizen.go.ke as the government’s digital payments portal through a gazette notice, making it the standard platform for all state payments.
Karura Forest joins a growing list of government-run facilities now fully integrated into the e-Citizen system, signaling a future where digital transactions will be the only accepted form of payment across public services.
