A significant dispute has emerged regarding the management and operational funding of Karura Forest in Nairobi, stemming from the government's directive to implement the e-Citizen platform for all payments. This move has triggered strong protests from the Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) Association, who argue it constitutes a unilateral government takeover and violates a long-standing joint management agreement.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, has publicly dismissed claims of a government takeover, asserting that the only change is the payment platform itself. In a statement, Lemarkoko assured that all other aspects of forest management, including the retention of staff such as scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, would remain unchanged. He also stated that visitors would not experience disruption, with annual passes remaining valid until expiry and daily visitors now paying via phone or card, with a minimal waiting time.

However, the FKF association vehemently opposes this decision, citing a complete lack of consultation. They argue that the directive directly undermines the Karura Forest Management Plan (2021–2041), a legally recognized and binding 20-year agreement that mandates joint management between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association. Prof. Njuguna Njoroge, a board member of FKF, highlighted that this decision disregards the spirit of partnership that has transformed Karura Forest over 15 years from a 'den of crime' into a 'globally acclaimed urban forest' through community-led stewardship.

The introduction of the e-Citizen payment system has also led to a sharp increase in entry fees. Visitors reported entry charges nearly doubling, rising from Sh100 to Sh206 or Sh174 per adult, and from Sh50 to Sh116 per child. These new fees now include e-Citizen charges and Value Added Tax (VAT), which was previously exempt for forest entry. Parking fees were also reported to have climbed significantly, from Sh300 to Sh406.

A core part of the FKF's concern revolves around the financial implications of this change. The KFS/FKF Joint Management Agreement explicitly stipulates that all revenues collected from Karura entrance gates, events, and other activities must be deposited into an account jointly managed by both parties. These funds are earmarked for essential operational costs, including staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and the implementation of the forest management plan. FKF has historically overseen and managed all contracts related to operations, staff salaries, security, infrastructure, and forest regeneration, remaining financially liable for these commitments. With the abrupt transition to e-Citizen revenue collection, FKF has lost all access to these crucial funds, which typically amount to between Sh10-12 million monthly for managing the forest.

FKF has accused KFS of misrepresenting the terms of their joint management agreement, claiming that KFS incorrectly asserted the new payment system would not affect institutional arrangements. The association insists that the decision goes beyond a mere change in payment mode, amounting to a takeover of day-to-day management that jeopardizes the progress achieved and leaves the forest's survival uncertain due to a lack of clarity on financing. FKF has called on the government to immediately reverse the decision to end the joint management arrangement, emphasizing the need for transparent access to funds to ensure the continued successful operation of Karura Forest.