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.
“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,” Dr. Barasa affirmed.
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.
“As we operationalise the registry, we send a clear signal to investors and the international community that Kenya is ready to participate in carbon markets with integrity, transparency and credibility,” she said, urging stakeholders to partner responsibly in unlocking the full potential of carbon markets.
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.
“As carbon market activities expand rapidly, this registry becomes the backbone of an efficient system tracking projects, issued units, transfers and adjustments, and strengthening trust in Kenya as a reliable market administrator,” he said.
Amb. Daud emphasised the importance of interoperability with leading international standards, including Verra and Gold Standard, to position Kenya competitively in the global carbon market. He called for clear procedures, predictable timelines and sustained engagement with project developers and investors.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Festus Ngeno, said 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).
“The registry is the heartbeat that makes the Climate Change Act and the regulatory framework come alive,” he said, urging project developers to liaise closely with NEMA to ensure compliance and efficient implementation.
Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi noted that the new system builds on the earlier REDD+ forestry sector registry, ensuring interoperability within Kenya’s broader carbon accounting architecture.
“This system prevents double counting, strengthens alignment with Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution, and enhances transparency for both Article 6 and voluntary carbon market transactions,” he stated, encouraging 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, emphasising that robust national systems are essential to building investor confidence and safeguarding environmental integrity.
“The functioning national carbon registry is the backbone of integrity. It ensures transparency, prevents double counting and strengthens compliance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement,” she said, reaffirming the European Union’s continued support for Kenya’s green transition.
Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Maren Kneller, 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.
By Naif Rashid
