Government moves to Demystify Carbon Credits amid growing concerns of exploitation in forest communities

By Ben Okweingoti 

The national government, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, has committed to raising awareness and sensitizing Kenyans about carbon credits as a key strategy to eliminate exploitation in carbon trading.

Cabinet Secretary Deborah Baraza said the government is in the process of finalizing the Climate Change (Amendment) Bill 2023, which seeks to define and regulate carbon credit activities in Kenya. 

Once passed, the legislation is expected to provide clear guidelines to protect local communities and ensure equitable benefits from carbon trading initiatives.

Speaking at Mida Creek during the commemoration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem — under the theme “Protect Wetlands for Our Future” — CS Baraza led the planting of mangrove seedlings and launched the Mangrove Management Technical Order.

“There are many questions, especially from elected leaders, about carbon markets,” said Baraza. “Everyone needs to be educated on carbon credits and the legal frameworks around them to understand and benefit from this growing green economy.”

She noted that Kenya currently has over 61,000 hectares of mangrove forests, representing 3.5% of the country’s total forest cover. She emphasized the government’s commitment not only to environmental conservation but also to sustainable livelihoods.

“Mangroves play a crucial role in nurturing fish breeding grounds, protecting coastal infrastructure, supporting ecotourism, and creating new income-generating opportunities such as shellfish and seaweed farming,” she added.

Local leaders, including Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, raised concerns over the exploitation of local communities involved in forest conservation. 

They accused some NGOs of enriching themselves at the expense of local women and youth who shoulder the burden of mangrove preservation.

“Our women have faithfully conserved these forests for years, yet their lives remain unchanged. Meanwhile, those who claim to support them continue to prosper. We urge you, Madam CS, to intervene and ensure these women receive their rightful share,” said Baya.

Mbeyu echoed similar sentiments, revealing that women who produce mangrove seedlings are paid a meager Ksh. 15 per seedling, while NGOs allegedly sell the same seedlings for up to Ksh. 200.

“There’s no justice in this. These women deserve fair compensation. Before you leave, please announce new, dignified prices for mangrove seedlings,” she urged.

Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Water and Environment, Omar Said, called for continuous public education on carbon credit initiatives, saying many Kenyans remain unaware of how the system works and how they can benefit.

“The carbon credit policy is good, but without adequate sensitization, it risks leaving communities behind. The government must sustain efforts to educate the public,” he said.

The event marked a significant step toward aligning national environmental goals with the empowerment of grassroots communities and ensuring the benefits of climate action are shared equitably.