The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified the latest increase in entry fees at Karura Forest following a public outburst.
Addressing the issue was KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, who said that the increase was as a result of VAT and convenience fee being charged through the e-Citizen platform.
He continued by saying that the new charges make it affordable for group visits rather than individuals.
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“Because it’s a government accounting process, VAT has to be paid. That is one. Two, for e-Citizen, we have a convenience fee per transaction, not per person. So if 20 people came as a group and they wanted to pay, they would pay once. That means the Sh50 fee applies to the whole group, not per head,” he said
Those planning to visit Karura Forest will have to cover the 16 percent VAT and Ksh 50 as a convenience fee per transaction.
As it stands, individuals will part ways with Ksh 166 while a group will have to pay Ksh 50 as a convenience fee. The charges have, however, been reported to be higher by some online users.
“We run the forest jointly through the Forest Management Committee, which includes three members from FKF and three from KFS. Development plans, work plans, and budgets are approved through this framework. The Service is only complying with the law, and community involvement remains at the center of Karura’s future,” he said
