Kenya Launches National Carbon Registry to Oversee Climate Projects

Kenya’s new National Carbon Registry was launched in Nairobi on February 17, 2026, as part of the country’s efforts to formalize its carbon market infrastructure and support climate action goals.

The Ministry of Environment and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) jointly unveiled the registry, which is designed to monitor carbon credit projects, confirm emissions reductions, and prevent double counting of credits.

According to official information, the registry incorporates a forestry carbon registry that was introduced in 2025 to back Kenya’s national tree-growing program. The system is intended to align with international standards and facilitate Kenya’s compliance with the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 requirements.

Kenya’s Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023 and Carbon Market Regulations 2024 established the legal foundation for the creation of the national carbon registry. These laws and regulations set out the procedures and requirements for carbon market operations in the country.

What the numbers show

• More than 80 carbon project concept notes have been submitted to the registry
• The registry was officially launched on February 17, 2026
• Germany’s GIZ committed an additional €2.4 million to support the initiative

Germany’s development agency GIZ, working with local partner Verst Carbon, developed the National Carbon Registry and provided both financial and technical assistance. GIZ also announced a further commitment of €2.4 million to strengthen Kenya’s readiness for carbon market activities.

The registry’s primary function is to provide transparent tracking of carbon credit projects and ensure that emissions reductions are properly verified. This mechanism is intended to address concerns about double counting and improve the credibility of Kenya’s carbon market.

The system is expected to help Kenya participate in global carbon markets by meeting international requirements for transparency and accountability. The integration of the forestry registry supports ongoing national tree-planting initiatives and links them with broader climate finance mechanisms.

By establishing the National Carbon Registry, Kenya aims to create a structured approach to managing carbon credits and supporting climate-related projects under a regulated framework.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.