The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has assured all workers in Karura Forest that their jobs are secure and that there will be no layoffs.
In a statement on Thursday, September 4, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, affirmed that the service will ensure all budgetary provisions outlined in the CFA's 2025/2026 work plan are honoured to prevent any job cuts.
CFA workers in Karura Forest refer are staff employed by the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) community, a volunteer-led organisation that partners with KFS to manage and conserve the forest.
Lemarkoko, however, noted that some CFA employees at the forest, including clerks, scouts, tree and nursery attendants, and general maintenance staff, have failed to report back to work despite several calls from management.
"The Service has also informed the CFA leadership that all budgetary provisions as per the submitted annual work plan and budget for 2025/2026 will be honoured and funded accordingly," Lemarkoko stated.
"The Service has also endeavoured to reassure all employees of the CFA of the continuity of their jobs, and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, has confirmed that there will be no job losses," he added.
Lemarkoko further assured that normal operations in the forest are ongoing seamlessly, with visitors continuing to enjoy recreational activities.
"Kenya Forest Service is committed to developing the ecotourism potential of various urban forests to ensure city dwellers enjoy serene green spaces, and the Service calls upon all partners to support this endeavour," Lemarkoko stated.
The announcement comes just days after he alleged mismanagement of funds generated from the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF).
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, September 3, Lemarkoko claimed that an audit by the Ministry of Environment has exposed irregularities in the FKF's management of Karura forests' finances.
Lemarkoko claimed that all revenues from the forest’s gates must be deposited into a bank account approved by KFS, in line with Section 13 of the joint management agreement; however, FKF has allegedly ignored this provision and other compliance rules.
“An audit was carried out by our ministry, and a number of issues were unveiled. You will be shocked at the kind of embezzlement of funds by FKF," Lemarkoko stated.
“The other requirement is that the parties shall prepare a work plan and a budget, both of which must be approved by the Kenya Forest Service. Friends of Karura have not been submitting their budgets and work plans to the Service," he added.
