Visitors to Nairobi’s beloved Karura Forest are being greeted with a new reality at the gate: all payments must now be made exclusively through the government’s e-Citizen platform. In a directive that took effect on Friday, August 29, 2025, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) announced that payments for gate entry, parking, and other services will no longer be accepted in cash or through other mobile money methods. This transition, mandated by the National Treasury, is a significant step in the government’s push to digitize all public revenue collection.
The move, KFS says, is part of a wider national initiative to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in how public funds are collected. By centralizing payments to a single official paybill number (222222), the government aims to eliminate loopholes for corruption, reduce revenue leakages, and streamline financial accountability. For a popular recreational space like Karura Forest, which attracts thousands of visitors for jogging, cycling, and nature walks, this digital shift is expected to have a profound impact on its operations and visitor experience.
A Digital Promise: Transparency vs. Potential Disruption
The KFS has reassured the public that the transition will not disrupt normal operations. However, the shift raises important questions about the practicalities and potential challenges. While the government's official stance is that this move enhances convenience and security for the public, there are concerns that it may not be a seamless process for everyone. The success of this policy hinges on several factors, including the reliability of the e-Citizen platform, the availability of stable mobile networks at all entry points, and the readiness of visitors to adapt to the new system.
This development also brings to the forefront the broader debate about the e-Citizen platform itself. The government’s drive to digitize all public services has been met with mixed reviews. While many services, such as applying for a passport or a business license, have become more convenient, the platform has not been without its challenges. Issues of system downtime, transaction fees, and a lack of public awareness have been raised, leading to frustrations among some users. The application of this system to a high-traffic, recreational space like Karura will be a real-time test of its functionality and user-friendliness.
The Broader Context: A Push for Centralized Revenue
The move at Karura Forest is part of a directive from President William Ruto to onboard all government services and payments to the e-Citizen platform. The goal is a centralized, digital financial ecosystem that gives the government a full view of all revenue streams and eliminates the need for cash transactions. The National Treasury has been at the forefront of this initiative, aiming to bring all government agencies under one digital roof to boost revenue collection and promote accountability.
While this national policy is a logical and modern approach to public finance, its implementation at places like Karura Forest, which has a long-standing partnership with the Community Forest Association, also raises questions about the allocation of funds. The public and various stakeholders will be keen to see how the revenue collected via e-Citizen is channeled back to support the daily operations, conservation efforts, and staff of the forest. The success of this transition will ultimately be judged not only on its technical efficiency but on its ability to support the continued conservation and management of this vital urban green space.
What do you think? Will the new e-Citizen payment system improve your experience at Karura Forest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
