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Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is urging caution in Karura Forest in Nairobi after reports of a large python sighting. Visitors are advised to stay on official trails and report any snake sightings to rangers.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-05 19:30 EAT. Kenya Forest Service (KFS) cautioned visitors after an unverified python sighting was reported on a popular Karura Forest trail. Officials urged users to keep to marked paths and report any sightings to rangers.
KFS acknowledged a photo/video circulating online allegedly showing a large python inside Karura. The agency said the material is yet to be authenticated and increased patrols near the Lily Lake trail as a precaution. Status: developing.
Pythons have been recorded in Karura before, including sightings in 2019 and 2022. Conservation groups note African rock pythons are non-venomous and usually avoid conflict unless provoked.
Constitution/Acts: KFS manages state forests under the Forest Conservation and Management Act; KWS assists on wildlife matters.
Mandates: KFS oversees visitor safety; KWS handles wildlife capture/relocation if risk is confirmed.
Required steps: Verify sighting → risk assessment → if needed, relocate animal deeper into forest.
KFS: Visitors should “exercise heightened vigilance,” stick to designated paths, and report sightings at gates.
Local managers: Advisory stresses caution, not alarm, while investigations continue.
What’s confirmed: Advisory issued; patrols stepped up around Lily Lake corridor.
What’s unverified: Authenticity, location, and timing of the circulating media.
Verification: Based on KFS public statements and contemporaneous reports.
Safety: Low if visitors follow rules; risk rises off-trail.
Operations: Temporary route monitoring may affect recreational use.
Perception: Viral clips can overstate danger versus actual risk profile.
Whether a python is currently ranging near popular trails.
Exact section of forest captured in the viral clip.
Whether relocation action will be required.
2019/2022: Prior python sightings noted by KFS/Friends of Karura.
2025-09-05: KFS issues advisory; media carry safety guidance.
2025-09-05 19:30 EAT: Latest status—investigation ongoing.
Any KFS/KWS confirmation of a current python and its location.
Temporary trail advisories near Lily Lake or other nodes.
Updated guidance from KFS social channels.
