The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has called on Kenyans visiting Karura Forest to exercise caution and use the designated paths following the sighting of a large python inside the forest.
KFS, in a statement on Thursday evening, acknowledged receiving concerns from members of the public after a python was spotted in Karura Forest earlier this week.
According to the Forest Service, while pythons have been sighted within Karura in previous years, in 2019 and 2022, the current sighting and the photo in circulation have yet to be authenticated.
However, as a precautionary measure, all visitors to the forest are advised to walk or jog along designated paths and tracks only.
"In case of any sighting, the matter should be reported immediately to KFS Forest Rangers located at the various gâtes," the Forest Service told Kenyans.
"In addition, visitors with pets are advised to consider keeping them on a leash along the designated tracks only," the agency added.
While calling for caution among Karura forest visitors, KFS promised to collaborate with relevant government agencies to explore potential solutions to the matter.
In the videos widely shared on social media platforms, the alleged python was spotted crossing one of the paths that head to the Lily Lake, which is located within the vast forest.
Karura forest is known to be a popular spot for runners and other Kenyans who love picnics. It is situated on the border of Nairobi and Kiambu Counties and has two main entrances, one located along Kiambu Road and another along the Limuru Road.
It is not the first time a python has been spotted in the forest. In 2019, a black python was seen, sparking fears among visitors.
Nonetheless, Friends of Karura, a community-based association that manages the forest, intervened and confirmed the presence of an African rock python within the vast area.
In a statement, the association said there was no need for visitors to worry about the python, noting that the snake is non-venomous and harmless to people unless provoked.
