Kenya is set to strengthen its environmental cooperation with Singapore through bilateral agreements that will enhance its ability to meet emissions targets. Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno is leading a Kenyan delegation to Singapore for crucial discussions that will culminate in the signing of these agreements.
The delegation comprises representatives from the Ministries of Environment, Foreign Affairs, The National Treasury, and the Attorney General’s office, among others. These agreements fall under the framework of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which facilitates voluntary international cooperation in achieving climate goals.
According to Ng’eno, Kenya is actively engaging in carbon markets and has already initiated similar agreements with Switzerland and Sweden. “The bilateral agreements would enable Kenya to achieve its emissions targets set out in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while promoting sustainable development and environmental integrity,” he stated.
The ongoing meetings in Singapore provide a platform for both nations to exchange experiences on policies related to climate change, carbon markets, and green transition efforts. Discussions also encompass the operationalization of Article 6, including the development of registries to track emission reductions and trading activities.
Kenya’s Ministry of Environment is concurrently working on regulatory frameworks to govern carbon trading. The draft Climate Change (Carbon Trading) Regulations 2025 are currently undergoing public participation, alongside the draft Climate Change (Non-Market Approaches) Regulations. These policies aim to create a robust mechanism for carbon trading while ensuring transparency and environmental integrity.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is critical for international carbon trading as it allows countries to collaborate on emission reduction strategies. The carbon crediting mechanism enables countries to raise climate ambition and implement national action plans more affordably. It identifies verifiable opportunities for emission reductions, attracts funding, and fosters international cooperation.
Through this mechanism, companies in one country can reduce emissions and have those reductions credited. They can then sell these credits to companies in other countries that require them to meet emission reduction obligations or net-zero targets.
Kenya’s participation in these agreements demonstrates its commitment to climate action, economic growth through carbon trading, and sustainable development.
