Karura Forest adopts new payment model effective August 29
By Valerian Khakayi, August 29, 2025Karura Forest Has Adopted a New Payment Model Effective Friday, August 29, 2025, in Line with the Government of Kenya’s Directive to Streamline Public Service Payments on a Centralized Platform.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the management stated that it will exclusively accept payments for gate entry, parking, and related services through the official eCitizen platform.
The notice further stated that the money payments would be made through the eCitizen Paybill number 222222.
“Karura Forest embraces the e-citizen payment method. Kenya Forest Service wishes to inform all visitors that, in line with the Government of Kenya’s directive on the onboarding of all government services and closure of non-designated payment platforms (National Treasury Circular CAB/ADM.2A/6 Vol.1/(122)), all payments for gate entry, parking, and related services in Karura Forest, including the Sigiria block, will be made exclusively through the official e-Citizen platform (Paybill 222222) effective Friday, 29th August 2025,” the notice reads.
According to the forest’s management, the new payment model aims to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in public service delivery. providing a more convenient experience for visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to utilise the eCitizen platform for all payments to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.
“This transition is part of a nationwide initiative to improve transparency, security, and efficiency in public service delivery while making your experience more convenient,” the notice reads.
Services and activities
Additionally, management stated that all activities and services within Karura Forest will proceed as usual. Additionally, their collaboration with the Community Forest Association (CFA) remains unchanged.
“All other activities and services in Karura Forest will continue as usual, and our collaboration with the Community Forest Association remains unchanged,” the notice reads.
“We invite you to continue enjoying Karura Forest and welcome your feedback to help us enhance our services.”
E-Citizen
It is worth noting that the government clarified the ownership structure of the e-Citizen online platform, a crucial digital portal providing a wide array of state services, following increasing public debate and scrutiny over its control.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura asserted that the government retains full ownership of the e-Citizen platform.
“CLARIFICATION on e-Citizen Ownership!” Mwaura’s statement began, before elaborating on the government’s approach to procuring ICT services.
“The Government procures ICT services from various providers. For example, Oracle Corporation supplies the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), while Microsoft provides supporting digital infrastructure.”
Addressing the specific concerns around e-Citizen, Mwaura stated;
“The Government fully owns the eCitizen platform but entered into a contractual agreement with Webmaster, a local service provider, to manage it. This system has been in a 10-year pilot phase as we build capacity and continuously enhance its functionality.”