Kenya has taken a bold step in tackling climate change by launching its first national carbon registry on February 17, 2026. This new system aims to bring transparency and trust to the country’s carbon credit market, a crucial move as global interest in carbon offsetting grows.
Created through a partnership between the Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority, this registry will help monitor carbon credit projects and ensure accurate reporting on emissions reductions. One key goal is to prevent double counting, a problem that has troubled various carbon markets worldwide.
This initiative arrives at a vital moment. Developing nations like Kenya are pushing for a larger share of global climate finance, especially under the Paris Climate Agreement’s commitments. Surprisingly, despite Africa’s rich natural resources, it still receives a small portion of investments in carbon markets. Kenya, blessed with forests and renewable energy potential, is using this new registry to attract foreign investment while benefiting local communities directly.
Carbon markets allow nations and companies to mitigate their emissions by purchasing credits linked to projects that either reduce or remove carbon dioxide, such as reforestation or solar energy initiatives. However, critics often cite concerns over insufficient oversight and exaggerated claims, which harm the credibility of many programs.
“Today, that narrative changes,” said Deborah Mlongo, Kenya’s Environment Minister, at the launch. “This launch sends a clear signal to investors and the world: Kenya is ready for global carbon markets with transparency and integrity.”
The new registry promises a clear system for tracking and validating carbon credits, aligning with international standards. It will officially document project approvals and emissions reductions, ensuring compliance with global trading rules. So far, over 80 carbon project proposals have already been submitted, indicating a significant interest in this structured approach.
Kenya’s special climate envoy, Ali Mohamed, noted, “This registry is the backbone of an efficient market, allowing for tracking and trust in Kenya as a serious player in carbon markets.”
The Kenyan government believes strong carbon markets could open doors for significant investments, supporting crucial conservation efforts, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable growth. Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno emphasized the goal of equitable benefits, ensuring that both communities and investors gain from these climate initiatives.
“We are committed to building a fair system for all, especially for those protecting our forests,” Ng’eno stated.
Keen to build on previous efforts, the new registry also includes a forestry carbon registry launched last year to support one of Africa’s largest reforestation programs. Germany has played a pivotal role in funding this initiative, providing technical support and a pledge of 2.4 million euros (approximately $2.6 million) to boost Kenya’s readiness for the carbon market. Experts agree that having centralized registries is crucial for enhancing the credibility of carbon markets, which face increasing scrutiny over questionable credits. The registry is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.
As countries worldwide evolve their strategies to combat climate change, Kenya’s steps toward creating a trusted carbon market could inspire similar initiatives across the region, fostering a collective response to global environmental challenges. Understanding local contexts and addressing concerns about fairness and transparency will be key to building trust in this new system.
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Carbon Markets,Climate Finance,Germany,Kenya,National Environment Management Authority
