KENYA LAUNCHES NATIONAL CARBON REGISTRY STRENGTHENING CREDIBLE CLIMATE ACTION.

February 19, 2026 1

Written by Magdaline Wangechi on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Kenya has officially launched its National Carbon Registry (KNCR), positioning the country as a global hub for high-integrity carbon credits at a time when scrutiny of climate offset markets is intensifying worldwide.

During the launch in Nairobi, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, Director General of NEMA, described the registry as a robust, transparent, and inclusive platform that reflects Kenya’s priorities and aspirations, aligned with rights to access information. Dr. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment, highlighted that it is Kenya’s formal land check with the world, guaranteeing that carbon credits are backed by the full authority of the state.

He emphasized that the registry captures the full spectrum of Kenya’s ingenuity from carbon held in soils to renewable energy powering our cities into a single unified system. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa added that “the registry gives Kenya’s green economy a digital heartbeat,” eliminating double-counting of carbon credits and ensuring that value from carbon trading flows back to communities and national development.

The KNCR will track, authorize, and report carbon generated across forestry, renewable energy, and land-based carbon storage projects, ensuring that every tonne of carbon is accounted for and preventing duplicate claims that could undermine Kenya’s credibility in international markets. Communities at the frontline of conservation, who previously received little from carbon projects, are now set to benefit fairly from the value generated.

The registry is part of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework, including the Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023, Carbon Markets Regulations 2024, Carbon Trading Regulations 2025, and Non-Market Approaches Regulations 2025, which together set up a national ecosystem for both market-based and collaborative climate actions.

Germany, through its development agency in Kenya, is supporting the initiative with financial and technical assistance, including an additional €2.4 million (Ksh366,288,000), strengthening Kenya’s readiness for global carbon markets.

Kenya’s National Carbon Registry is a world-class platform that combines innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, signaling the country’s commitment to credible, high-integrity climate action and providing a model for Africa and beyond.