Climate Change Act — Regulation of Carbon Markets (Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023)

The Climate Change Act (assented 6 May 2016, commenced 27 May 2016) is Kenya's framework for its climate response. Part IVA, added by Act No. 9 of 2023 (sections 23A–23I), covers eligible credits and exclusions — including reductions achieved or registered before 1 January 2013 — trade rules requiring accounting in tonnes of CO2e and corresponding adjustments, participation through bilateral or multilateral agreements, private-entity trades or voluntary markets, environmental and social impact assessment, social and environmental benefits, share of proceeds, a carbon registry, dispute resolution and fees.

Agreements under Part IVA must aim to promote mitigation while fostering sustainable development, and resulting emission reductions must be included in national reporting to the UNFCCC. The Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024 (May 2024) set out project approval, registry operation and benefit-sharing requirements, including community shares for land-based projects.