The NCN Carbon Summit brought together diverse stakeholders, including project developers, regulators, private sector representatives, and financial institutions for a day-long series of workshops at the Brackenhurst Hotel. Sponsored by Climate Impact Partners and supported by Bowmans Law, Dalberg, and FSD Africa, the Summit aimed to identify actionable opportunities for Kenya’s carbon markets and establish a pathway for the newly formed Carbon Markets Association of Kenya (CAMAK).
Key Highlights:
Vision for Kenya’s Carbon Markets: Katie Hill of Boston Consulting Group provided insights into Kenya’s carbon market status, growth potential, and policy needs. Hill emphasised Kenya’s role as Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest voluntary carbon credit supplier, with significant potential for both carbon avoidance and removal credits.
Demand Perspectives: A panel discussion featuring Climate Impact Partners and Jake Reynolds of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer underscored the importance of long-term project support, robust verification, and the integration of internal carbon reductions with voluntary market participation.
Regulatory Developments: Dr. Anne Omambia from NEMA and Christina Nduba from Bowmans Law discussed the newly gazetted carbon regulations. Key points included NEMA’s role as the Designated National Authority, the development of a National Greenhouse Gases Inventory, and the establishment of a carbon budget for Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Regional Engagements: Paul Muthaura of the Africa Carbon Markets Initiatives highlighted the regional growth potential for carbon markets, the importance of integrity and data accessibility, and the formation of developer groups like CAMAK to support policy advocacy and industry learning.
Breakout Sessions: The Summit featured thematic breakouts focusing on enablers, policy actions, and collective steps to accelerate industry growth. Outcomes from these sessions are being integrated into CAMAK’s roadmap.
Networking and Site Visit: Attendees visited the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Highland Hub at Brackenhurst Botanic Garden & Forest, Kenya’s only accredited botanic garden, emphasising the need for biodiversity restoration and carbon sequestration.
Outcomes of the CAMAK AGM:
Following the Summit, CAMAK held its inaugural AGM on 24th June, where members voted to adopt the Mission, Vision, Objectives, and Activities for the Association.
Vision: For Kenya to lead in developing an effective carbon market ecosystem that delivers value for people, enterprises, and the planet.
Mission: To unite carbon market practitioners and stakeholders and provide a collective voice for the sector in Kenya.
Core Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Transparency
Objectives:
- To engage with government in the development and implementation of effective and enabling climate policies affecting Kenya
- To promote high standards of professional ethics and integrity in carbon markets development
- To foster collaboration, sharing of information and best practices among members
- To raise awareness and communicate with a wider audience on Kenya’s carbon market activities.
Membership of the Association is open to registered organisations, both for-profit and nonprofit, with a legal presence in Kenya. An organisation shall be accepted as a member provided it is (a) an active carbon project developer implementing carbon reduction or removal activities with a view to generate verified carbon credits, or (b) has received a no-objection letter from Kenya’s Designated National Authority to start a carbon project, or (c) is actively advising, researching or contributing to carbon market development.
We are also delighted to announce the newly elected leadership of CAMAK who will be leading the Association going forward:
- Chairperson: Mahlon Walo, AfriNet Carbon
- Vice Chairperson: Bryan Adkins, Eden: People + Planet
- Secretary: Sophie Odupoy, KOKO Networks
- Treasurer: Tarn Breedveld, African Outback Ltd.
- Membership Coordinator: Ruth Wambui Wambugu, Clean Cooking Association of Kenya
- Members Representative: Molly Brown, BURN Manufacturing
- PR Officer: Charles Waweru, Verst Carbon
NCN extends gratitude to all participants and sponsors of the Summit including Climate Impact Partners, FSD Africa, Bowmans Law, and Dalberg. We are excited for the future of CAMAK and its contribution to the growth of Carbon Markets in Kenya.
“The success of the NCN Carbon Summit underscores the power of collaboration and shared vision in advancing Kenya’s carbon markets. Our Carbon Markets Working Group has worked tirelessly to unite stakeholders, engage with the government, and shape policies that support a thriving carbon market ecosystem. Incubating CAMAK has been a formidable initiative for our network, and it is with great pride that we now hand over the reins to the newly elected leadership. We have laid a strong foundation, and we are confident that CAMAK will continue to drive forward impactful initiatives, fostering an enabling environment for sustainable development and climate action.” Héloïse Zimmermann, Co-Founder, Nairobi Climate Network “
The NCN Carbon Summit was a pivotal moment for Kenya’s carbon markets, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders to chart a path forward. As the newly appointed Chairman of CAMAK, I am honoured to lead this dynamic association. Our mission, vision, and objectives, along with the establishment of robust operational frameworks, position us to drive meaningful impact. We are grateful to the Nairobi Climate Network for bringing together stakeholders and incubating this important initiative. CAMAK will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, advocating for supportive policies, and ensuring the growth and integrity of Kenya’s carbon markets. Together, we will harness the power of collective action to support the development of carbon markets in Kenya and help achieve our climate goals.” Mahlon Walo, Chairman of CAMAK.
“As FSD Africa we are proud to be one of the founding members of CAMAK and a sponsor of the NCN Carbon Summit. The success, and thereby positive impact of the carbon markets ecosystem is determined by aligning the requirements and challenges of the key stakeholders and ensuring these are reflected in the enabling regulatory environment, availability of the key skills and services required, including finance, and the effective sharing of benefits. CAMAK provides a platform for alignment, collaboration and innovation which are necessary to deliver on a high-integrity carbon markets ecosystem in Kenya and provide the required value to people, enterprises, and the planet.” Reshma Shah, Carbon Markets Lead, FSD Africa
“Dalberg is proud to support NCN and the newly formed CAMAK. Carbon markets have the potential to support Kenya’s climate change goals, foster economic growth, and create positive impact in our communities, and Dalberg is working actively across a range of opportunities, including clean cooking, e-mobility, agriculture and forestry, distributed renewable energy, and more. We are excited to play a role in supporting a platform that enables multi-stakeholder collaboration to promote the growth and integrity of the Kenyan carbon market.” Grace Njunge, Associate Partner, Dalberg Advisors Nairobi
“At Bowmans, we are honoured to have supported the NCN Carbon Summit and the newly established CAMAK. The Summit highlighted the immense potential of carbon markets to drive sustainable development and climate action in Kenya. We believe that robust legal frameworks and strategic policy development are essential for the success and integrity of carbon markets. As CAMAK takes the lead in this crucial sector, we remain committed to providing the necessary legal support and expertise to ensure that Kenya’s carbon markets are transparent, equitable, and effective in addressing climate change. Together, we can build a sustainable future for Kenya and beyond.” Christina Nduba-Banja, Partner, Bowmans, Kenya
