Recently, a dramatic clash unfolded between Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers and Nairobi City County officers, commonly known as “kanjos,” over the management of City Park Forest.
The dispute reportedly centered around conflicting roles and authority regarding who should oversee the park’s operations and maintenance.
KFS, being in charge of national forests, asserted its responsibility over the forest, while the Nairobi City County officers challenged this, citing their jurisdiction over city parks.
The situation escalated into a tense confrontation, with both sides standing their ground. Reports suggest that the disagreement stemmed from ongoing efforts by both parties to control revenue collection and enforcement within the park.
This issue reflects broader challenges of overlapping mandates between national and county governments in Kenya.
The incident attracted attention from local residents, who are familiar with such disputes involving “kanjos” and public officers.
Past incidents where city officials have clashed with members of the public or other authorities have sparked similar tensions, reflecting the frustration many feel over governance and enforcement issues in Nairobi.
