Amidst uproar over the shift to eCitizen payment, the Kenya Forest Service has assured visitors seeking to enter Karura forest of only one-minute wait times.
In a statement released on Saturday, August 30, KFS guaranteed visitors that the shift would not impact their positive experience of the popular forest that is situated in the nation’s capital of Nairobi.
In the message, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko maintained that the only change was seen in the mode of payment and that all other aspects of forest management would remain the same.
Lemarkoko further disclosed that the shift would not affect visitors with an annual pass, noting that they would be free to use them till their expiry.
“Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko has assured Karuta Forest visitors and service providers that the new payment system will not impact their positive experience. Lemarkoko visited the forest at dawn to oversee the transition to the new platform and interact with visitors, service providers, scouts, and KFS teams,” KFS noted.
“Visitors with annual passes can continue to use them until they expire. The new payment options are phone and card, with an average wait time of only one minute,” KFS added.
At the same time, Lemarkoko addressed the employment status of staff at Karura, confirming that all staff, including scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, will be retained.
Protests Over eCitizen Shift
The latest comes after protests were witnessed at Karura forest over the mandatory move to centralise payments via eCitizen for all visitors.
Environmental activists identifying as Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) staged the protests on Friday, August 29, in a bid to reject the move.
According to the group, KFS did not consult with them before making the move, a decision with which they completely disagree.
“Unfortunately, the FKF was not informed of this significant decision, which will disrupt our operations. The government has taken control of the forest income without prior notice or alternative financing for staff and service contracts, effective today,’’ FKF said in a statement.
According to videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, agitated FKF members protested at the entrance to the forest on Kiambu Road, throwing water bottles and other items onto the road in retaliation.
Residents living near the forest also joined the protests, accusing the government of wanting to take over the payments despite not taking part in the forest’s restoration.
eCitizen Payments
In an official statement issued on Thursday, August 28, KFS stated that all payments would now be made through the official e-Citizen platform, using Paybill number 222222.
According to the KFS statements, the change in payment mode was effective Friday, August 29. Before this change, payments for all Karura Forest activities, including picnics, hiking, and activities offered in the forest, were made through the FKF.
