Concern over the construction of NYS barracks inside Karura forest
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reassured Kenyans that Karura Forest remains protected, amid concerns over the ongoing construction of National Youth Service (NYS) barracks within the forest.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reassured Kenyans that Karura Forest remains protected, amid concerns over the ongoing construction of National Youth Service (NYS) barracks within the forest.
The concerns arose after images circulated online showing felled trees and ongoing works inside Karura, leading some members of the public to allege plans to encroach on or privatise parts of the forest.
In response, the Friends of Karura Community Forest Association (FKF) called on KFS to halt the activities, saying: “The destruction inside Karura Forest continues. Friends of Karura call on KFS to stop immediately and explain their plans.”
The Green Belt Movement also weighed in, emphasising that “Karura Forest is a public asset that must be protected through transparency, legality and public participation. We oppose the ongoing barracks development and call on KFS to immediately halt the works and subject the project to full public scrutiny.”
Addressing the concerns, KFS clarified that the works are part of a nationwide initiative to expand tree nurseries and strengthen forest restoration efforts.
The agency explained that the NYS barracks are being constructed within existing administrative and residential zones and involve prefabricated metal containers. The project, according to KFS, is also being undertaken in other forest stations.
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“Setting up of barracks for NYS is happening not only in Karura forest, but in other forest stations around the country including Ngong Hills forest where the barracks are nearing completion,” said KFS.
“The partnership between KFS and NYS is meant to provide labour and boost tree seedling production to support realization of the national strategy of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 for realization of 30 percent tree cover.”
According to KFS, no indigenous forest or core conservation areas are being affected, and no trees have been felled; only old tree stumps have been removed.
Additionally, KFS emphasised that the expansion of tree nurseries will improve the quality and survival of both indigenous and exotic trees, including fruit trees, by providing reliable irrigation, storage, and secure operational areas.
KFS underscored that all activities comply with the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016) and Article 69 of the Constitution, which mandate sustainable forest management and restoration.
“The activities do not constitute any land-use change or forest conversion. Karura remains a protected public forest land, and it is not under any threat, and the public should disregard any other opinions to the contrary,” said KFS.
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