The New Muthaiga Residents Association (NMRA), which has a membership comprising two-thirds of all residents of New Muthaiga (Thigiri Ridge), is alarmed by the takeover of Karura Forest by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

NMRA calls for the immediate restoration of the highly successful joint management arrangement between KFS and Friends of Karura Forest (FKF).

The New Muthaiga neighborhood borders the Sigiria portion of Karura Forest and residents recall when the forest was synonymous with insecurity and neglect. There were many violent robberies by gangs operating from within the forest.

It is only through the collaborative management with FKF that confidence was restored.

With the presence of the United Nations nearby and significant national and international media attention, the world is watching what happens to this forest. 

For and on behalf of the New Muthaiga Residents Association