Nairobi — Kenya’s new Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr Deborah M. Barasa, has committed to steering the country’s climate agenda with “integrity, clear vision, and unwavering commitment,” as she outlined a bold plan to enhance the nation’s carbon market framework.
Speaking at her first official public engagement since taking office just a week ago, Dr Barasa addressed carbon project developers at a breakfast meeting on Monday morning at the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi, signalling a shift toward strengthened partnerships and accelerated action.
“I have joined the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry at such a crucial moment in Kenya’s climate action journey,” she said. “Ours now is to steward this noble cause with integrity, clear vision, and unwavering commitment as we guide Kenya’s development on a sustainable path while upholding our international climate commitments.”
Kenya, long regarded as a pioneer in Africa’s climate diplomacy, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2030 under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). But the new environment chief warned that achieving this goal would require more than government action alone.
“It demands coordinated, innovative, and bold collaboration across sectors,” she said. “This is precisely where your role as carbon project developers fits in.”
Dr Barasa described carbon markets as a “cornerstone of low-carbon and climate-resilient development,” offering not only a mechanism for accessing climate finance but also a means of incentivising sustainable practices and generating new revenues for communities, businesses, and government.
“But beyond economics,” she added, “carbon markets nudge the reimagining of development, bringing closer the confluence of environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.”
She assured stakeholders that her ministry was working to “create an enabling environment for carbon project development,” one that is “predictable, fair, and aligned with our national priorities and international provisions and obligations.”
Dr Barasa also called for the highest standards of governance and trust within the carbon space. “We must ensure that all relevant processes are clear, transparent, and that the benefits of carbon projects reach the grassroots, supporting livelihoods, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening local resilience.”
In an address that balanced policy clarity with moral urgency, Dr Barasa warned that Kenya’s success in the carbon market would depend on maintaining credibility and transparency, especially with communities and international investors.
“The credibility of our national carbon market framework, and the trust of our people, depend on it,” she said.
She further underscored her commitment to positioning Kenya as a continental leader and global influencer on carbon markets, saying, “Kenya is not just participating; we are in the lead.”
“We are positioning Kenya as a hub for innovative carbon solutions, to support diverse project types across different sectors,” she noted, adding that the government would back bold and transformative action to unlock the sector’s full potential.
While affirming the ministry’s commitment to inclusive growth, Dr Barasa emphasised the need for carbon projects to produce real, measurable benefits for communities: “Our approach is people-first.”
As the meeting closed, the Cabinet Secretary urged stakeholders to seize the moment to shape a future where climate solutions not only deliver for the environment but also transform lives.
“Let us seize this moment to solidify Kenya’s leadership in climate action,” she said, “and ensure that every project we advance leaves a lasting legacy for our people and planet Earth.”
