Visitors to Karura Forest and Sigiria block to pay exclusively via eCitizen platform

Starting Friday, visitors to Karura Forest and its Sigiria block will only be able to make payments through the government’s eCitizen platform.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has said the move will cover gate entry, parking, and every other payable service within the forest.

The announcement follows a Treasury directive requiring state agencies to migrate all services to e-Citizen and to shut down any other payment channels.

KFS has confirmed that the approved Paybill number for transactions is 222222.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) said the transition is in line with a government directive requiring all public agencies to migrate to eCitizen and discontinue alternative payment systems.

In its notice, the agency explained the change

“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," 

"All payments for gate entry, parking, and related services in Karura Forest, including the Sigiria block, will be made exclusively through the official eCitizen platform (Paybill 222222) effective Friday, August 29 2025,” KFS stated.

According to the service, the shift is aimed at improving transparency and security in handling funds, while also easing the payment process for visitors.

KFS clarified that nothing else within Karura will be disrupted.

Activities inside the forest and community initiatives will go on as usual.

“All other activities and services in Karura Forest will continue as usual, and our collaboration with the Community Forest Association remains unchanged,” the notice added.

Visitors have also been encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions with KFS to help refine the services offered at the forest.