Kenya is set to receive KSh590 million in EU climate funding to strengthen its carbon markets, with the support aimed at improving the country’s systems for carbon projects and climate commitments.
Speaking during the launch of the Kenya Guide for Strategic Engagement in Carbon Markets 2026 on October 5 at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, EU Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Ondřej Šimíček said the partnership would support Kenya’s efforts to develop high-integrity carbon markets.
“Together we developed an integrated roadmap for Kenya’s engagement in international carbon markets. And we are supporting Kenya with 590 million shillings, or about 4 million euros, for our monitoring and validation system through our project reporting on both mitigation and national monitoring, reporting, and validation,” Ondřej Šimíček explained.
The announcement of the financial backing comes as Kenya launched a new framework to guide its participation in international carbon markets.
According to the guide, Kenya is operationalizing its approach to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, setting out criteria intended to make decision-making on carbon-market participation more predictable and transparent.
The new guide establishes Kenya’s first carbon budget for trading, defining the maximum quantity of carbon credits the country is willing to transfer internationally.
It also introduces an allow list of priority sectors and criteria for assessing carbon-market projects.
EU Support for Kenya’s Carbon Market
According to the diplomat, the EU has about two decades of experience with domestic carbon pricing and has used revenues from its emissions trading system to support clean technologies and the green economy.
Further, the diplomat emphasized that the EU and Kenya share an interest in developing carbon markets based on integrity, transparency and clear rules for investors.
Šimíček explained that the EU funding would upgrade Kenya’s national monitoring, reporting and verification system.
In addition, Šimíček noted that credible carbon credits would be necessary to attract buyers and investment.
Citing stringent methodologies, transparent accounting and registries, fair transactions, and shared benefits as key elements, the diplomat said the partnership will benefit both countries.
The system will also support reporting on both mitigation and adaptation under Kenya’s nationally determined contributions while strengthening institutional capacity at national and county levels.
Kenya-EU Climate Partnership
The EU has continued to support Kenya’s green transition through programs covering renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and systems for monitoring and verifying national climate action.
In February 2026, the government launched the Kenya National Carbon Registry, a digital platform to track, verify, and manage carbon credits and internationally transferred mitigation outcomes.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
