By Aoma Keziah,
Kenya has launched its first emissions data management platform, placing Kenya among global pioneers in transparent tracking of forest conservation efforts. It is the first African nation to set up a registry aimed at reducing deforestation and only the second worldwide to roll out a dedicated system for monitoring emissions under the REDD+ framework, an international approach that rewards countries for keeping forests standing.
Speaking during the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, Deborah Barasa, said that the platform would improve the way Kenya accounts for its forests and carbon credits, by monitoring the entire journey of carbon credits from registration through to final use.
“The launch of the Kenya REDD+ Registry and Nesting Guidelines marks a pivotal step in strengthening our forest governance and unlocking climate finance. These tools reflect Kenya’s commitment to environmental integrity, transparency, and people-centered conservation,” she stated.
Kenya’s new guidelines on REDD+ activities outline how smaller, local projects can be linked with national carbon accounting. This means communities, local groups and private companies can all take part in the fight against climate change while accessing climate finance to support livelihoods.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan OBE, praised the collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom, describing it as proof that climate solutions work best when local knowledge and international partnerships come together.
“It is just four weeks since President William Ruto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer agreed that Climate and Nature would be one of the four core priorities in the Kenya-UK strategic Partnership. This registry is a powerful symbol of that partnership. It strengthens Kenya’s leadership in carbon markets and supports our shared goal of enabling people and nature to thrive together,” he remarked.
This initiative, creates new opportunities for Kenya to tap into both voluntary and compliance carbon markets under global climate agreements, also guarantees that local communities and Indigenous Peoples who protect forests see real benefits for their efforts.
“The REDD+ Registry provides a unique opportunity for the country to move REDD+ in Kenya implementation forward. It sets Kenya apart as a country focused on transparency and accountability in management of its REDD+ programme. Conservation International remains committed to support the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry in the successful implementation of the Registry,” said Dr. Seif Hamisi, Managing Director, Conservation International East Africa.
The move comes as Kenya works to boost its forest cover through the ambitious 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme. With this platform in place, the country hopes to set an example for how transparent tracking and fair benefit-sharing can build trust in carbon markets and draw more funding to protect forests.
By tying the new registry to its national monitoring systems and safeguards, Kenya aims to ensure that every tree protected and every tonne of carbon reduced can stand up to international scrutiny. For a country that depends heavily on forests for water, livelihoods and biodiversity, this step could help secure both people’s well-being and nature’s future.
