You’ll soon tour, learn on nature in Karura Forest

By Augustine Oduor

Imagine a nature walk and taking pictures in the middle of Karura Forest?

Or taking outdoor classes in the middle of the forest once known as a dumping site for dead bodies and a safe haven for thugs.

These will soon be possible if the current initiative to erect a perimeter fence that would mark the turn of the once dreaded forest into a recreation centre, an environmental education and an eco-tourism facility.

"The facility will operate for school camps, holiday camps and special interest groups with emphasis on forest resource education," said Oshwal Education and Relief Board chairman Narendra Shah. The board is also the key sponsor of the initiative.

Over the years, forest rangers have escorted visitors to the forest, but Kenyans will have chance, at Sh50, to witness the rich biological diversity of the forest.

Speaking at the forest during the launch of the initiative, ‘Karura Forest, secure and safe 2010’ Kenya Forest Service Director David Mbugua said corporate sponsors and the organisation will develop the unique trails and a fence erected to prevent further destruction.

Under threat

Mr Mbugua said the electric fence would have gates guarded by rangers and scouts to check intruders.

The forest is also under threat from land grabbers and developers for its prime location in Nairobi.

Mbugua said with indigenous trees will be planted the areas of the forest previously set aside for plantations.

Already about four-kilometre nature trail from Limuru Road to Old Kiambu Road is open to the public for hiking and jogging.

The East African Breweries, Oshwal Education Foundation and Barclays Bank have donated Sh20 million to help erect the fence and train guards. The Kenya Shell Sports Club at the centre of the forest will serve as an education centre

The Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai said: "We have come a long way and the efforts being undertaken today is a testimony we have seen the need to protect eco-system, especially the forests. No one should set foot in the forest under the pretext of not causing harm to the forest."

Mrs Alice Macaire, the co-founder of Friends of Karura said: "If you love something …you protect it."

She said the forest deserved to be protected because of it rich potential to attract tourists.