Recently, KFS announced plans to corner off all forests within Nairobi by using electric fences. Charity Munyasia, who is the Head of Nairobi Conservancy gave an interview to CNN journalist, John Muchangi.
When asked why it is necessary to fence off the forests, she replied that the forests have become safe havens for criminals. According to her, the conditions within the parks became so dangerous that even security guards would not enter the 
parks unless they were armed. She says that the criminal activity within the parks has driven away people with good intentions. She emphasizes that the fences are being constructed to allow people to go on in, not to keep the general law-abiding public out.
Munyasia explains that the fences have allowed the park to keep an eye on who goes in and out, as well as collect a small entry fee. This fee foes towards conserving the park. She stresses her appreciation to the individuals and companies who helped to construct the electric fences, including David Mbugua, Achim Steiner, Eabl, Barclay’s bank, among many others.
Munyasia stresses that the people who rely on the parks, such as those who regularly collect firewood, have easy access to the forest. Managing the forest is made easier with the introduction of fencing, and helps to make the forests safer for all. “We are not fencing to keep people off”, she stresses the point.
Many forests in Nairobi have been fenced, with only a few that have not had the fences put up yet. There are controversies with regards to who owns the land that they plan to fence, with the Maasai people claiming that the land was government-allocated to their people.
Munyasia looks forward to the future. She says that she is excited for the parks to become safer, a place where families can play and have picnics without worry. She regards the parks as safe havens for those who want to take a break from the city, and she promises that the fencing will do just that, while keeping criminal activity away.
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