New Carbon Registry To Boost Transparency, Curb Fraud and Grow Export Earnings

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Kenya can now directly control and account for every carbon credit issued, sold or exported following the launch of a national digital registry that places all transactions under government oversight.

The Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR) is a government-run platform designed to register, track and authorise carbon market activities.

The system treats carbon credits as sovereign assets under Kenyan law, giving the State authority over how they are issued and transferred.

The launch also consolidates all carbon projects onto one national platform, replacing fragmented or privately managed systems and strengthening transparency in the sector.

During the launch, Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said the registry provides the digital infrastructure needed to prevent double counting and align carbon transactions with Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

Dr Barasa said the registry marks a shift from scattered carbon market activity to a unified national framework.

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

The development now positions Kenya as a credible participant in voluntary carbon markets and cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Eng Festus Ng’eno said the platform gives effect to the Climate Change Act and Carbon Markets Regulations.

He revealed that Kenya is building an export-oriented carbon industry anchored on integrity, private sector empowerment and tangible local benefits.

“The Registry is the heartbeat that makes the Climate Change Act and Regulations come alive,” he said.

The launch follows amendments to the Climate Change Act (2016), the gazettement of the Carbon Markets Regulations, 2024, and the establishment of the Designated National Authority for carbon markets.

The registry was developed through a partnership involving the Ministry of Environment, the National Environment Management Authority and the Climate Change Directorate, with support from the European Union and the German government through GIZ Kenya.

EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the registry strengthens confidence in Kenya’s carbon market.

“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 said.

She added that a functioning registry “ensures transparency in the issuance, tracking, and transfer of carbon credits” and prevents double counting.

Maren Kneller, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nairobi, said Germany would continue supporting Kenya’s climate ambition.

“Kenya has already made significant progress in operationalising carbon markets, demonstrating its leadership in the region and its commitment to building a green economy,” she said, citing cooperation in developing Kenya’s NDC for 2031–2035.

The registry’s technical implementation was led by Verst Carbon, a Kenyan-based climate technology provider and carbon project developer focused on scaling Africa’s participation in global carbon markets.

Chief Technology Officer Ian Mutai said the platform represents a transition from development to full national rollout.

“Today’s launch is not just a ceremonial moment. It marks a clear transition from development to national operationalisation,” he said adding that the outcomes depend on trust.