Kenya launches a carbon registry to boost climate finance and
credibility
[February 17, 2026] ALLAN
OLINGO
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya has launched a national carbon registry,
aiming to position itself as a global hub for high-integrity carbon
credits at a time when scrutiny of climate offset markets is
intensifying worldwide.
The registry, unveiled in Nairobi by the Ministry of Environment and the
National Environment Management Authority, will serve as the central
platform to track carbon credit projects, verify emissions reductions
and prevent double counting, a persistent problem that has undermined
confidence in carbon markets.
The move comes as developing countries seek a greater share of climate
financing through carbon trading under rules established by the Paris
Climate agreement. That pact, signed just over a decade ago, commits
countries to keeping the rise in global temperatures by the year 2100
compared with preindustrial times “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6
degrees Fahrenheit), and says they will “endeavor to limit” them even
more, to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Africa holds vast carbon sinks but gets only a small share of global
carbon market investment.
Kenya, which has extensive forests, grasslands and renewable energy
resources, hopes to attract foreign investment while ensuring local
communities’ benefit.
Carbon markets allow countries and companies to offset climate-changing
emissions by buying credits generated by projects that reduce or remove
carbon dioxide, such as forest conservation or renewable energy. Critics
have long warned that weak oversight, inflated claims and poor
benefit-sharing have eroded trust in offset programs.
“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.”
Kenyan officials say the new registry will provide a transparent
national accounting system aligned with international standards. It
records project approvals, tracks emissions reductions and authorizes
carbon credit transfers.
It will help Kenya comply with international carbon trading rules
governing how emissions reductions can be transferred between countries
without being counted twice.
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Deborah Mlongo Barasa, center, Cabinet Secretary for Environment,
Climate Change, and Forestry in Kenya, launches the National Carbon
Registry in Nairobi, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Henry Naminde)
 Developers and investors are showing
strong interest, having submitted more than 80 carbon project
concept notes, officials said.
“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.”
Kenya’s government estimates carbon markets could generate
significant investment while supporting conservation, job creation
and sustainable development.
Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno said the system is
designed to ensure carbon trading benefits communities as well as
investors. It's part of a broader effort to build African
institutions that can attract climate finance while protecting
national and local interests.
“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 registry will include a forestry carbon registry launched last
year to support Kenya’s national tree-growing program, one of
Africa’s most ambitious reforestation efforts.
Germany provided financial and technical support for the national
registry through its development agency, GIZ. It announced an
additional 2.4 million euros ($2.6 million) to strengthen Kenya’s
carbon market readiness.
Analysts say centralized national registries are critical for carbon
markets, which have faced increasing scrutiny over questionable
credits and inconsistent standards.
The registry is expected to become fully operational this year.
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