KENYA – The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has secured a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s carbon market framework after being appointed to the Multi-Sectoral Technical Committee (MSTC).
This three-year appointment, announced by Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, positions KenGen at the forefront of Africa’s emerging carbon trading landscape and unlocks new opportunities in the fight against climate change.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga welcomed the appointment as a significant milestone.
“We are honored to join this climate-positive committee, which will play a key role in advancing the climate agenda not just in Kenya but across Africa,” said Eng. Njenga.
“KenGen’s extensive experience in renewable energy and carbon credit generation uniquely positions us to provide valuable insights and help shape a robust carbon market framework for Kenya.”
Njega emphasized that the appointment underscores KenGen’s leadership in clean energy innovation. Njenga added that this development affirms the company’s commitment to driving sustainable solutions that power the nation and contribute to global climate action.
This initiative, anchored in the Climate Change Act of 2013 and the newly enacted Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024, establishes a framework for developing carbon projects and facilitating participation in carbon markets.
The aim is to catalyze Kenya’s carbon economy, allowing the country to monetize its climate initiatives by selling carbon credits.
KenGen, a trailblazer in renewable energy, brings considerable expertise to the MSTC. The company has earned 6.9 million carbon credits through six Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects registered under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Notable projects include the Olkaria II Geothermal Expansion, the Tana Hydro Power Station Redevelopment, and the Ngong Wind Project.
The MSTC comprises representatives from key government ministries, counties, and agencies. It is tasked with providing technical advice to the Designated National Authority, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), on carbon project assessments.
This collaboration ensures that Kenya’s carbon projects align with international climate protocols while fostering local expertise and innovation.
KenGen’s strategic focus on renewable energy is central to this endeavor. Over 90% of its electricity is generated from clean sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind.
By leveraging its technical expertise, KenGen aims to solidify Kenya’s leadership in climate action and green energy.
Establishing a robust carbon market will enable public and private entities to trade emission reduction units, offsets, and mitigation outcomes.
This mechanism is expected to drive investments in climate projects and ensure compliance with national and international climate regulations, further supporting Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
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