The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has confirmed the construction of new barracks within the premises.
In a statement on February 27, 2026, KWS confirmed that the barracks are meant to house National Youth Service (NYS) personnel, who will soon work alongside KFS staff in raising tree seedlings across the country.
“Currently, there is development of barracks for National Youth Service (NYS) personnel who will be partnering with the Service to support the raising of tree seedlings,” part of the statement read.
According to KFS, the partnership is part of Kenya’s broader national push to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, a target set by President William Ruto.
The service also stated that the NYS barracks are not just being set up in Karura forest, but in every protected forest cover in the country.
“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,” KFS said.
It further revealed that it has collaborated with the Ministry of Housing to set up structures made of prefabricated metal containers, which are going up in an existing residential and administrative zone within the headquarters compound at Karura Forest.
“There has been no excision of Karura forest land, nor allocation to private developers or encroachment into protected indigenous forest or core conservation areas, as alleged by a section of the civil society. In addition, no trees have been felled, only the removal of old tree stumps”, KFS assured the public.
KFS further noted that the new model nurseries will grow both indigenous and exotic species, as well as fruit trees.
It will also be equipped with reliable irrigation systems and secure storage facilities to enhance seedling survival rates.
Kenya Forest Service opens up National Youth Service Barracks at Karura Base
