GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR KARURA FOREST VISITORS

The government has rolled out a new digital payment system for Karura Forest, effective Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitors will now be required to pay all entry, parking, and related fees exclusively through the eCitizen platform.
In a notice issued by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on Thursday August28, the public was informed that the new system would centralize all payments under the government’s Paybill number 222222. This means cash and other digital payment methods will no longer be accepted.
According to KFS, the move is aimed at streamlining transactions, enhancing transparency, and improving security for both visitors and forest management. Despite the change in the payment model, all forest services and activities will continue as usual.
The shift is part of a wider government initiative to consolidate public service payments through eCitizen. Authorities also revealed plans to set up a disaster recovery site for the platform to guard against service interruptions, cyber threats, and fraud.
Karura Forest, managed in partnership with the Community Forest Association, remains one of Nairobi’s most popular green spaces, attracting thousands of visitors each month.