The launch of Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR) took place today at a Nairobi Hotel. The launch followed its successful development, rigorous testing, and institutional validation through extensive stakeholder engagement, user acceptance, and targeted capacity building with the Designated National Authority.
The chief guest was the CS Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa accompanied by PS Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Dr. Festus Ngeno; PS Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Ambassador Ali Mohammed; NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo; Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, H.E. Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya; Maren Kneller, Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Germany in Nairobi among other dignitaries.
The launch marked a formal transition from system development to national operationalization of the carbon register.
Speaking at the launch, the NEMA Chairman, Mr. Emilio Mugo reaffirmed that the Kenya National Carbon Registry will provide a transparent, secure, and credible national platform for recording and tracking carbon market projects, authorizations, and mitigation outcomes.
“The launch of this Registry sends a strong signal that Kenya is strengthening its institutional readiness to participate effectively in global carbon markets while safeguarding national interests and maximizing benefits for its citizens,” the chairman stressed.
He added that the Authority’s unwavering commitment to implementing its statutory mandate as the Designated National Authority (DNA) and to ensure that carbon market activities in Kenya deliver real, measurable, and sustainable outcomes as outlined in the Climate Change Act, Cap 387A and the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024.
NEMA Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS stated that the event signifies a major milestone in strengthening Kenya’s climate governance architecture and reinforces our national commitment to transparent, accountable, and high-integrity participation in carbon markets.
NEMA is the Kenya’s DNA for carbon markets, it is also hosting and administering the National Carbon Registry. As the DNA, Dr. Mamo added that NEMA will provide oversight of carbon market activities, facilitates registration processes, and ensures that all projects deliver measurable climate benefits while contributing to sustainable development priorities. He further affirmed that the system will enhance accountability, protects against risks such as double counting.
The CS Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa expressed optimism that the carbon registry will provide an opportunity for Kenyans to be able to register and build a carbon markets ecosystem that works for everyone. She added that the operationalization of the DNA represents a critical step in safeguarding Kenya’s national interests within the carbon market mechanisms. Through the DNA, NEMA will provide oversight of carbon market activities in line with the government agenda and sustainable development goals. She emphasized that the system and its subsequent implementation will position Kenya as a trusted.
