Kenya launches National Carbon Registry to Anchor Integrity and Global Carbon Trade

By Carolyne Tomno

 

The Government of Kenya has officially launched the Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR), marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s climate governance framework and positioning Kenya for deeper participation in international carbon markets.

 

The launch ceremony, held in Nairobi, was presided over by Deborah M. Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, alongside senior government officials, development partners, and private sector actors within Kenya’s carbon market ecosystem.

 

 

Digital Technology

The KNCR is Kenya’s official digital platform for registering, tracking, authorizing, and reporting carbon market activities. It provides the national infrastructure needed to ensure environmental integrity, prevent double counting of carbon credits, and align all carbon transactions with Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

 

 

In her keynote address, Dr. Barasa described the Registry as “the digital heartbeat of Kenya’s green economy,” noting that the country is transitioning from fragmented carbon initiatives to a unified, transparent, and accountable national system.

 

“For years, innovation thrived, but we lacked a single, trusted national ledger, that changes now,the National Carbon Registry is the title deed of Kenya’s emissions reductions.”

 

Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that Kenya’s carbon credits are sovereign assets protected under Kenyan law and anchored in the Climate Change Act and the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations.Adding that Kenya is building an export-oriented carbon industry grounded in integrity, private sector participation, and tangible local benefits.

 

Backed by Legal Reforms and Partnerships

 

The launch builds on key regulatory milestones, including amendments to the Climate Change Act (2016), the gazettement of the Carbon Markets Regulations (2024), and the establishment of the Designated National Authority (DNA) for carbon markets. Together, these reforms provide the legal certainty required for a fully operational and regulated carbon market ecosystem.

 

The KNCR was developed through a partnership led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Climate Change Directorate.

 

Its development was supported by the European Union through the Data Governance in Africa Initiative, and by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ Kenya.

 

Speaking at the event, Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the economic opportunity presented by carbon markets.

 

“Kenya should develop carbon credits as a premium export product. This is the 21st century; we cannot rely only on tea, coffee and avocado for export income.”

 

She underscored that a functioning national carbon registry is essential for ensuring transparency in the issuance, tracking, and transfer of carbon credits, preventing double counting.and strengthening compliance under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

 

Germany also reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s climate ambitions.Maren Kneller, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Germany in Nairobi, noted that Kenya has demonstrated regional leadership in operationalizing carbon markets and building a green economy.

 

She cited the development of Kenya’s NDC 2031–2035 as a strong signal of the country’s climate commitment.

 

 

 

From Development to Full Operationalisation

 

The Registry’s technical implementation was led by Verst Carbon, which worked closely with national institutions to ensure alignment with international standards while safeguarding Kenya’s sovereign context.

Ian Mutai, Chief Technology Officer at Verst Carbon, described the launch as a turning point.

“Today’s launch is not just a ceremonial moment. It marks a clear transition from development to national operationalisation.”

 

He added that Kenya’s carbon market is ultimately about delivering outcomes — cleaner energy, healthier communities, restored landscapes, and investment that reaches intended beneficiaries — and that those outcomes depend on trust in processes, data, and governance.

 

Prior to launch, the KNCR underwent stakeholder consultations, user acceptance testing, and institutional validation to ensure readiness for live implementation.

 

Strengthening Kenya’s Global Position

 

As Kenya advances bilateral carbon cooperation agreements and deepens engagement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the KNCR positions the country as a credible, transparent, and accountable partner in the global green economy.

 

With the launch of the Kenya National Carbon Registry, Kenya strengthens national oversight, enhances transparency, and sets a new benchmark for building carbon markets grounded in integrity, accountability, and robust digital governance.

 

About the Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR)

 

The Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR) is the Government of Kenya’s official digital platform for managing carbon market activities. Established under the Climate Change Act (2016, as amended) and the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024, it ensures transparency, prevents double counting, and safeguards the environmental integrity of carbon transactions.

 

The Registry supports participation in voluntary carbon markets and cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to high-integrity carbon markets, sustainable development, and climate leadership in Africa.