Kenya: Kenya has officially launched the Kenya National Carbon Registry, marking a significant milestone in strengthening transparency, accountability, and investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding carbon market. The registry was unveiled during a ceremony presided over by Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, who underscored its importance in cementing Kenya’s position as a credible participant in international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Barasa affirmed, “With the launch of the Kenya National Carbon Registry, we give Kenya’s green economy a digital heartbeat. From today, Kenya is no longer a spectator in international carbon markets. We step forward as architects of our own climate destiny.” She noted that the registry will eliminate double counting of carbon credits, enhance transparency in transactions, and ensure that revenues generated from carbon trading benefit local communities while safeguarding national interests.
Special Envoy for Climate Change in the Executive Office of the President, Ali Daud, described the registry as laying a strategic foundation for credibility and growth within Kenya’s carbon market ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of interoperability with leading international standards, including Verra and Gold Standard, to position Kenya competitively in the global carbon market and called for clear procedures, predictable timelines, and sustained engagement with project developers and investors.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Festus Ngeno, highlighted that Kenya has built a comprehensive legal and institutional framework over the past three years to support the carbon market. This includes amendments to the Climate Change Act, operationalisation of carbon market regulations, and designation of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as the Designated National Authority (DNA).
Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Forestry, noted that the new system builds on the earlier REDD+ forestry sector registry, ensuring interoperability within Kenya’s broader carbon accounting architecture. He encouraged stakeholders to leverage carbon markets as a sustainable economic opportunity for communities and the country.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, described the launch as a milestone not only for Kenya but for the continent, emphasizing that robust national systems are essential to building investor confidence and safeguarding environmental integrity. Maren Kneller, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, commended Kenya for demonstrating leadership in establishing credible carbon market systems and reiterated Germany’s support in strengthening institutional capacity, governance, and market credibility.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its statutory mandate to ensure carbon market activities deliver real, measurable, and sustainable outcomes that benefit communities and protect ecosystems. The Kenya National Carbon Registry is expected to enhance investor confidence, attract climate finance, and support community livelihoods as the country accelerates its transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. By consolidating project data, tracking emissions reductions, and aligning with global standards, the registry positions Kenya as a regional leader in climate governance and carbon market integrity.
