National Carbon Registry launched to boost climate governance

By Newsflash Writer

Kenya has officially launched the Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR), a move expected to strengthen the country’s climate governance framework and enhance its participation in global carbon markets.

The digital platform is designed to improve transparency, accountability, and environmental integrity in carbon market activities while positioning the country as a credible partner in the global green economy.

The launch, held in Nairobi on Monday, February 17, 2026, was presided over by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah M. Barasa, alongside senior government officials, development partners, and stakeholders in the carbon market ecosystem.

Strengthening climate governance

The KNCR serves as Kenya’s sovereign digital platform for registering, tracking, authorizing, and reporting carbon market activities. The system is expected to prevent double counting of carbon credits and align transactions with Kenya’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In her keynote address, Dr Barasa described the registry as a transformative step in the country’s transition toward a unified climate governance system.

She said the registry marks a shift from fragmented carbon activities to a transparent and accountable national framework, describing it as “the digital heartbeat of Kenya’s green economy.”

EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger during the official launching of the Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR). Photo/Newsflash

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

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno emphasized that carbon credits are sovereign assets protected under Kenyan law, anchored in the Climate Change Act and Carbon Markets Regulations.

He noted that the registry operationalises the country’s climate legislation while supporting the development of an export-oriented carbon industry driven by integrity, private sector participation, and local benefits.

The launch follows key regulatory reforms, including amendments to the Climate Change Act (2016), the gazettement of Carbon Markets Regulations in 2024, and the establishment of the Designated National Authority for carbon markets. These measures are expected to provide the legal framework required for a fully operational and regulated carbon market ecosystem.

International partnerships and support

The registry was developed through a partnership led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Environment Management Authority, and the Climate Change Directorate, with support from international partners.

Development of the platform received backing from the European Union through its Data Governance in Africa Initiative, as well as the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ Kenya.

EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the country should position carbon credits as a premium export product to diversify its economy.

“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.

Geiger added that a functioning national carbon registry ensures transparency in the issuance, tracking, and transfer of carbon credits while preventing double counting and strengthening compliance with global climate standards.

The Germany also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya’s climate ambitions. Maren Kneller, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nairobi, said Kenya had demonstrated regional leadership in operationalising carbon markets and enhancing climate commitments, including the development of its Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031–2035.

Digital infrastructure for carbon markets

The registry’s technical implementation was led by Verst Carbon, which worked with national institutions to design a system aligned with international standards while safeguarding Kenya’s sovereign interests.

Verst Carbon Chief Technology Officer Ian Mutai described the launch as a transition from development to full national operationalisation of Kenya’s carbon market infrastructure.

“Kenya’s carbon market is ultimately about outcomes: cleaner energy, healthier communities, restored landscapes, and investment that reaches the places it is meant to reach,” he said, noting that trust in data, processes, and decision-making is central to achieving these goals.

Before its official launch, the system underwent stakeholder consultations, user acceptance testing, and institutional validation to ensure readiness for live implementation.

Officials say the KNCR will strengthen national oversight of carbon projects, enhance transparency, and provide a secure digital system for tracking carbon transactions. The platform will also support Kenya’s participation in voluntary carbon markets and cooperative climate initiatives under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

As the country advances bilateral carbon cooperation agreements and deepens engagement in global climate initiatives, the registry is expected to boost investor confidence and set new standards for integrity and accountability in carbon markets.

With the launch of the KNCR, Kenya aims to reinforce its commitment to sustainable development and climate leadership in Africa while expanding economic opportunities in the rapidly growing global carbon market sector.