Kenya has announced the signing of new international carbon market agreements during the 9th Joint sector Working Group on Environment , Climate Change and Forestry on Tuesday. The meetin that was held in Nairobi brought together various stakeholders to discuss and coordinate environmental programmes set for 2026.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Eng Festus Ng’eno stated that the meeting was convened to update industry stakeholders on recent developments while synchronizing alignment between government prioritie and partner support. “We must synchronize development partner support with government priorities. This alignment is not optional,” he stated.
Dr Eng Festus Ng’eno announced that Kenya has already signed bilateral carbon market agreements under Artile 6.2 of Paris agreement with Sweden and Switzerland. He stated that there are ongoing negotiations with Singapore and talks with South Korea expected to commence soon. The Kenyan government is also developing a National Carbon registry with support from the GIZ. To operationalise Kenya’s carbon market framework, the gvernment is in the process of developing a National Carbon Registry as well as drafting regulations on carbon trading and non-market approaches.
The meeting also discussed the progress of the 10-year Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihoods Improvement Programme. Ng’eno highlighted the importance of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative that aims to increase Kenya’s tree cover to 32 percent by 2032.
“The 15 billion trees initiative is not just about planting trees; it is about restoring ecosystems, securing livelihoods and building climate resilience,” Mugambi said. “We count on strong collaboration with development partners, communities and the private sector to achieve the target of 32 percent tree cover by 2032.”
During the meeting, officials gave updates on waste management, circular economy efforts and national climate action planning
