Kenya launches a carbon registry to boost climate finance and credibility

Kenya has launched its first national carbon registry, a centralized system to track carbon credit projects, prevent double counting and strengthen transparency in climate markets

NAIROBI, Kenya -- 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.