Farmers to benefit from fair earnings from carbon credits

Launch of the national carbon credit registry./Ministry of Environment.  

Groups protecting forests and soils are optimistic the new National Carbon Registry will guarantee transparency, fair payments and credibility in carbon credit projects.

Joseph Mwangi is a smallholder farmer involved in agroforestry in Murang’a county.

Mwangi said farmers are often told they will benefit from carbon credits when they plant trees and protect their land.

“But many times we do not know how much is earned or who gets paid. We have been conserving trees and improving our soils for years, but we rarely understand how carbon credit payments are calculated,” he added.

“If this registry brings transparency and ensures communities are paid fairly, more farmers will join climate projects.”

Mwangi added that if the registry shows what is earned and ensures communities benefit, more farmers will plant trees and protect the environment.

Peter Otieno, a smallholder farmer in Siaya county, noted that climate change is already affecting their harvests, so they are willing to plant trees and protect their land.

“What farmers want is clear information and assurance that the benefits will reach us, not just project developers,” Otieno said.

The Government of Kenya has launched the National Carbon Registry, a digital platform designed to track carbon market projects, prevent double counting of carbon credits and enhance accountability.

Speaking during the launch, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the country is positioning itself as a credible player in global carbon markets.

“Going forward, my ministry will continue to provide strong policy leadership to ensure carbon market investments contribute meaningfully to national development priorities, enhance resilience, create green jobs and support community livelihoods,” she said.

According to the UN, carbon credits are generated when projects reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions through tree planting, soil conservation, renewable energy or protecting ecosystems such as mangroves.

Communities often provide land, labour and stewardship, but have historically complained about opaque contracts and limited benefit-sharing.

The CS noted that Kenya’s carbon market previously operated without a unified national ledger.

“Without such a system, a single tonne of carbon could be claimed twice, undermining our credibility. Communities at the frontline of conservation often received little, while the true value leaked away through opaque arrangements,” she said.

Barasa added that the registry now creates a national system in which each carbon credit is verified and traceable.

Global demand for carbon credits is growing rapidly as countries and companies seek to offset emissions.

According to the World Bank, carbon pricing initiatives generated more than Sh13.4 trillion ($104 billion) in revenue globally in 2023.

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency estimates that reaching net-zero emissions will require trillions in climate investments, with carbon markets expected to play a key financing role.

Environment and Climate Change PS Festus Ng’eno said the country is shifting from conservation for its own sake to a prosperity model anchored in natural capital.

“We are building an export-oriented industry from the ground up, where every Kenyan carbon credit meets the highest global quality while delivering tangible local benefits,” he said.

The registry will serve as the official national record of carbon projects and credits.

The platform will ensure registration of carbon projects, track issued carbon credits, prevent double counting, authorise transfers to international markets and support national climate reporting.

Mamo Mamo, director general of the National Environment Management Authority and National Carbon Registrar, said climate change remains a major development challenge and carbon markets are one tool to address it.

“They can mobilise climate finance, support low-emission development, spur innovation and create jobs,” he said.

Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi said the national registry builds on the Kenya REDD+ Registry, launched in July 2025, to track forest-based emission reductions.

The forestry system integrates local projects into national carbon accounting, strengthens alignment with Kenya’s climate targets and prevents double counting.

Mugambi said together, the systems aim to boost confidence among investors, counties and communities.

He added that the initiative represents economic opportunity as well as environmental protection.

“Kenya has committed to growing 15 billion trees by 2032, restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening climate resilience. But we are not just growing 15 billion trees; we are growing opportunities for wealth creation, resilience and dignity,” the PS said.