The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has urged Kenyans to stop spreading misleading information about the destruction of Karura Forest in Kiambu County.
KFS, in a statement on Wednesday, July 4, urged Kenyans to first seek clarification before sharing any information regarding the ongoing works inside the forest.
This is after a video circulating online purportedly depicted a destroyed portion of Karura Forest. The agency explained that the video, filmed by a cyclist, showed areas designated for harvesting exotic tree species.
KFS termed the video as misleading since the harvesting of exotic tree species was undertaken and completed in the last financial year, 2024/2025.
“This video was recorded in two areas that were allocated for the harvesting of exotic tree species. The harvesting was undertaken and completed in the last financial year 2024/2025,” KFS said.
"The public is advised to seek clarification from Kenya Forest Service offices before posting any misleading information," it added.
The forest agency added that the areas are currently being prepared for replanting with indigenous trees.
KFS assured the public that this is part of a planned effort to make Karura Forest a fully indigenous urban forest that supports recreation and ecotourism.
“We have already started digging holes and we will begin planting during the upcoming rainy season,” the statement read.
“The process being undertaken in Karura forest will ensure it is restored to a fully indigenous urban forest for recreation and ecotourism,” the agency noted.
Karura forest has been having several scandals. In December 2024, reports emerged of deforestation at Kenya’s Karura Forest in Nairobi, where the public questioned the government on who exactly is behind the cutting down of trees in the natural habitat.
Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), a conservation outfit, explained that the cutting down of trees was part of the forest’s restoration efforts.
They noted that the restoration was being conducted in conjunction with the KFS and involved the selective cutting of trees.
