Kenya Establishes National Carbon Credit Registry to Combat Climate Change

Kenya has created a new national carbon registry system to track and verify carbon credit projects while preventing fraud in climate offset markets. The initiative aims to attract international investment for environmental projects while ensuring local communities benefit from carbon trading programs.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Officials in Kenya have established a comprehensive national carbon credit tracking system, positioning the East African nation as a leader in legitimate climate offset programs amid growing global concerns about fraudulent environmental projects.

Government representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority introduced the new system in Nairobi, creating a centralized database to monitor carbon offset initiatives, confirm actual emission reductions, and eliminate duplicate credit counting that has plagued international climate markets.

This development occurs as nations across the developing world pursue increased access to climate funding through carbon credit sales under frameworks created by the Paris Climate Agreement. The international accord, established more than ten years ago, requires participating nations to maintain global temperature increases by 2100 at levels “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial measurements, with efforts to restrict warming to just 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Despite containing enormous natural carbon storage areas, African nations receive minimal portions of worldwide carbon market funding.

With its abundant forest coverage, grassland areas, and clean energy potential, Kenya seeks to draw international funding while guaranteeing advantages for local populations.

Carbon credit systems enable nations and corporations to balance their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits from initiatives that decrease or eliminate carbon dioxide, including forest protection programs or clean energy projects. However, critics have consistently highlighted how insufficient monitoring, exaggerated results, and unfair profit distribution have damaged confidence in offset systems.

“Today, that narrative changes,” said Deborah Mlongo, cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

“This launch sends a clear signal to investors and the international community,” Mlongo said. “Kenya is ready to participate in global carbon markets with transparency, integrity and strong governance.”

Government representatives explain the registry will establish a clear national monitoring framework following international guidelines. The system documents project authorizations, monitors emission reductions, and approves carbon credit transactions.

The platform will assist Kenya in meeting international carbon trading regulations that govern how emission reductions transfer between nations while avoiding duplicate accounting.

Project developers and financial backers have demonstrated significant enthusiasm, submitting over 80 carbon initiative proposals, according to government sources.

“This registry becomes the backbone of an efficient market,” said Ali Mohamed, Kenya’s special climate envoy. “It enables tracking of projects, issuance of units and corresponding adjustments, strengthening trust in Kenya as a serious and reliable carbon market jurisdiction.”

Government projections suggest carbon markets could produce substantial investment opportunities while advancing conservation efforts, employment generation, and sustainable growth initiatives.

Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno explained the framework ensures carbon trading advantages reach communities alongside investors. The effort represents part of broader initiatives to develop African institutions capable of securing climate financing while safeguarding national and community priorities.

“We are building a system grounded in fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, one that ensures communities, particularly those who conserve and protect our forests, are recognized and equitably benefit from carbon market participation,” Ng’eno said.

The new system will incorporate a forestry-focused carbon registry introduced previously to advance Kenya’s nationwide tree planting initiative, representing one of Africa’s most extensive forest restoration programs.

German authorities contributed funding and expertise for the national registry through their development organization, GIZ. Officials announced additional support totaling 2.4 million euros ($2.6 million) to enhance Kenya’s carbon market capabilities.

Industry experts emphasize that centralized national registries remain essential for carbon markets, which face heightened examination regarding questionable credits and varying quality standards.

The registry system should reach full operational status within the current year.