Kenya has taken a bold step in its climate action journey following the official rollout of the Kenya National Carbon Registry, a platform expected to reshape how the country engages in global carbon trading. The launch, presided over by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa in Nairobi, signaled the start of full national use of the system after months of development.
The event drew senior state officials, diplomats, development partners and climate actors who gathered to witness the registry move from its pilot phase into full operation. The government described the move as a turning point in the management of carbon credits and climate related investments.
Barasa termed the registry a defining moment for the country’s climate leadership.
“It is a landmark achievement in Kenya's climate governance framework and a significant step in strengthening our participation in the international carbon markets,” she said.
She explained that the new system will promote openness, trust and responsibility in carbon trade while protecting Kenya’s national interests in cross border climate transactions.
“The National Carbon Registry is the title deed of Kenya’s emissions reduction,” she declared. “It is our assurance to the world that Kenya is open for high integrity, high value climate investment.”
The Kenya National Carbon Registry, overseen by the National Environment Management Authority, is a digital tool built to record, confirm and manage carbon credits and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes generated from projects across the country. It will serve as the official platform for approving and monitoring climate initiatives and for supporting Kenya’s engagement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
By bringing all carbon projects under one national framework, the system is expected to stop duplication and ensure that each verified carbon unit is accounted for only once. According to the ministry, this approach strengthens confidence in Kenya’s carbon assets and shields the country from disputes in global markets.
Barasa observed that in the past, the absence of a central national register created gaps that could harm Kenya’s standing internationally.
“Without such a system, a single ton of carbon would be claimed twice, undermining our credibility in international markets,” she said, noting that local communities conserving forests and other ecosystems often saw little return from carbon deals.
The registry is grounded in changes made to the Climate Change Act in 2023 and has been supported at the highest level of government, including by William Ruto. It is designed to ensure that benefits from carbon transactions flow back to communities and align with the country’s development goals.
Barasa stressed that climate finance must go beyond paperwork and deliver clear impact through job creation, resilience building and support for vulnerable groups.
“The world is searching for integrity in carbon markets. They will find it in Kenya,” Barasa said. “The world is searching for credible climate solutions. They will find it in Kenya.”
She called on investors, project developers and partners to use the platform responsibly and work closely with the government to grow carbon markets in a way that supports sustainable growth.
“Kenya’s green transition is no longer a vision. It is now a verifiable reality,” Barasa said.
