Karura Forest: Protecting a National Treasure

August 30, 2025

Yesterday’s developments at Karura Forest are a cause of great concern. For 15 years, Karura Forest has been a respite for Nairobians and families as green spaces continue to diminish in the once “Green City in the Sun.”

The lack of public participation regarding the change in the management of Karura Forest is a clear violation of Article 10 of the Constitution. The increase in entrance fees and the directive to use the questionable E-Citizen - a platform which the Auditor General has raised serious concerns about - puts to question the true intentions of the move by the Kenya Forest Service.

The continued violation of the Constitution is further confirmation that President Ruto has no regard for the rule of law, despite only 3 days ago purporting to lead in the commemoration of Katiba Day. Saying one thing and doing the opposite is duplicitous leadership that has come to characterize the current presidency. It is hurting our people, our resources, and our efforts in nation-building.

We, the custodians of the Constitution and our environment, will not stand by and watch this brazen attempt at the destruction of our natural resources.