NAIROBI, Kenya — In a strategic move to establish itself as a premier destination for climate finance, Kenya has officially launched a comprehensive national carbon registry designed to enhance transparency and integrity in carbon credit markets. The initiative, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority, represents a significant advancement in Africa’s climate action landscape.
The newly established registry will function as the central mechanism for monitoring carbon credit projects, validating emissions reductions, and eliminating the persistent issue of double counting that has plagued carbon markets globally. This development arrives as developing nations increasingly seek equitable participation in climate financing mechanisms under the Paris Agreement framework.
Africa possesses substantial carbon sequestration capabilities through its vast forests and natural ecosystems, yet currently receives disproportionately minimal investment in global carbon markets. Kenya, endowed with extensive forest coverage, grassland territories, and renewable energy resources, aims to leverage this registry to attract foreign climate investment while ensuring local communities receive fair benefits from carbon trading activities.
Carbon markets enable nations and corporations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits generated from projects that reduce or remove atmospheric carbon dioxide, such as reforestation initiatives or renewable energy installations. However, these markets have faced criticism regarding inadequate oversight, exaggerated environmental claims, and inequitable benefit distribution.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Mlongo declared, “Today marks a transformative moment in carbon market governance. This registry signals to international investors and the global community that Kenya is prepared to engage in carbon markets with unprecedented transparency, robust integrity, and strong regulatory oversight.”
The registry will provide a standardized national accounting system aligned with international protocols, recording project approvals, tracking emissions reductions, and authorizing credit transfers. This infrastructure will enable Kenya to comply with international carbon trading regulations governing the transfer of emissions reductions between countries without duplicate counting.
Government officials reported substantial interest from developers and investors, with over 80 carbon project concept notes already submitted for consideration. Special Climate Envoy Ali Mohamed emphasized that “this registry establishes the foundational architecture for an efficient market ecosystem, enabling comprehensive project monitoring, credit issuance, and corresponding adjustments that reinforce Kenya’s credibility as a serious carbon market jurisdiction.”
The Kenyan government projects that carbon markets could generate significant investment inflows while simultaneously supporting conservation efforts, job creation, and sustainable development objectives. Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno emphasized the system’s design prioritizes equitable benefit distribution between communities and investors, particularly recognizing those who conserve and protect forest resources.
Technical and financial support for the registry has been provided by Germany through its development agency GIZ, which recently announced an additional €2.4 million ($2.6 million) to enhance Kenya’s carbon market readiness. The registry is anticipated to become fully operational within the current year, incorporating a forestry carbon registry launched previously to support Kenya’s ambitious national tree-growing program.