Nairobi County secures court order stopping Kenya Forest Service from managing City Park

The Environment and Land Court in Nairobi has issued interim orders restraining the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) from interfering with Nairobi City County’s management and operations of the iconic City Park.

In a ruling delivered by Lady Justice T. Murigi on October 7, 2025, the court barred KFS from entering, managing, charging fees, or otherwise controlling the park until a petition filed by Charles Mugane is heard and determined.

"THAT pending the hearing and determination of the Petition filed herewith, orders be and are hereby issued restraining the 1st Respondent herein from trespassing into, managing, remaining in, entering, controlling, charging fees or in any other manner interfering with the Nairobi City County’s management and operation of City Park," reads the court order.

The court directed that the case be mentioned on October 22, 2025, for further directions.

The order, signed by Deputy Registrar Jacqline Tumbo, also carried a penal notice warning that any person disobeying or disregarding the court’s directive would face legal consequences.

The ruling effectively preserves the county’s authority over City Park, which has been the subject of a jurisdictional dispute between the devolved government and national agencies.

The petition was filed by Senior Counsel Charles Mugane, who argues that KFS unlawfully took over management of the historic park in 2018 during the tenure of former Governor Mike Sonko.

Mr. Mugane accuses KFS officers of harassing visitors and collecting entrance fees that are not properly accounted for. He says the agency’s continued involvement has eroded transparency and limited residents’ enjoyment of one of Nairobi’s oldest recreational spaces.

“The revenue being collected by the Kenya Forest Service at City Park cannot be accounted for, and visitors can no longer freely enjoy bird and animal viewing as before,” Mr. Mugane states in court papers.

He further notes that City Park is among several devolved functions, including health, transport and education, which were transferred from the county to the national government around 2018, with related revenues allegedly handled through the National Bank of Kenya.