Kenya signals carbon market readiness with launch of national registry

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, has declared Kenya ready to participate in global carbon markets with integrity and confidence following the launch of the Kenya National Carbon Registry.

Barasa said the operationalisation of the Registry marks a decisive shift in the country’s green transition, positioning Kenya to align carbon investments with resilience-building, green job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth.

“As we operationalise the Registry, Kenya sends a clear message: we are ready to engage in carbon markets with integrity and confidence. Carbon investments will be aligned with resilience-building, green job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth,” CS Barasa said.

The CS made the remarks while presiding over the official launch of the Kenya National Carbon Registry, describing it as a historic milestone in strengthening Kenya’s climate governance framework and advancing participation in international carbon markets.

Barasa noted that the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in climate action. She added that the new system establishes a credible national mechanism to leverage opportunities under the Paris Agreement while safeguarding national interests.

Previously, carbon market activities in Kenya operated without a unified national ledger.

Although innovation and conservation efforts had expanded, the absence of a central system exposed the country to risks such as double-counting and weak oversight. Communities protecting critical ecosystems also did not always receive equitable benefits.

Barasa said the Registry now addresses these gaps by providing a single, transparent, and government-backed platform to record, track, and verify all carbon transactions within the country.

Following the 2023 amendments to the Climate Change Act under the leadership of President William Ruto, Kenya established what the CS described as a robust legal and institutional framework grounded in integrity, oversight, and mandatory benefit-sharing.

“Kenya built a robust legal and institutional framework grounded in integrity, oversight, and mandatory benefit-sharing. The National Carbon Registry now serves as the official record of Kenya’s emissions reductions, assuring investors and the international community that every carbon credit issued under our jurisdiction is verified, traceable, and credible,” she added.

She explained that the National Carbon Registry will serve as the official record of Kenya’s emissions reductions, consolidating carbon activities across forestry, soils, renewable energy, and other mitigation initiatives into one transparent national platform.

According to Barasa, the system guarantees that one tonne of carbon reduced equals one verified credit, while ensuring the value generated flows back to communities and supports national development priorities.

Barasa further emphasised that Kenya’s green transition is now measurable and verifiable, citing initiatives such as the 15-billion-tree growing programme as evidence of progress in restoring ecosystems while unlocking economic opportunities for citizens.

“The world is searching for credible climate solutions. Kenya stands ready to deliver them,” she said.