Forging a Justifiable Path in the Carbon Markets

Kenya Platform for Climate Governance Public Involvement in Kenya’s Climate Change Amendment Bill 2023 and the exploration of the benefits of Carbon Markets for Kenya and Africa.

In a pivotal step towards shaping a greener and more resilient future, the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (PACJA) organized a dynamic public participation forum for consultations on the amendment of the climate change bill. This forum brought together key stakeholders, including members of the Climate Change Caucus and enthusiastic members of the public, on the 22^nd of May 2023 to discuss the Climate Change Amendment Bill and advice on the carbon markets mechanism and develop a Policy Brief that will guide the process.

The stakeholder consultative   forum a platform offered by the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry to the public so that they are engaged in discussions around the Climate  Change Amendment  Bill 2023.The Bill aims to bridge existing gaps and foster engagement and participation in carbon markets, paving the way for a more sustainable future. With the deadline for public participation fast approaching, various organizations, including the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance, are rallying citizens, civil society groups, indigenous communities, and Members of Parliament to provide their valuable input and contribute to this crucial process.

The Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance told delegates present at this forum, that Kenya boasts of being a pioneer country to have a climate change act and to have it operationalized. He emphatically noted, “Climate change being a cross-cutting issue it needs to be addressed as such and not be domiciled in the Ministry of Environment. The narrow outlook on climate change as a scientific and environmental issue has contributed to the matter not being addressed with the urgency it so deserves.”

Other delegates present also cited the need to ensure the communities at the frontline of the climate crisis are indeed involved in such crucial processes. Mr. Kitasi Wanga the Program Manager Land and Natural Resources Resilience, Livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert at ActionAid specifically cited the fact that we need to look at carbon markets from a feminist lens. Adding that women are disproportionally affected by the climate crisis. “Women are at the fore of the climate crisis and their voices must be amplified,” he stated.

The forum provided a vibrant platform for open dialogue and collaboration, setting the stage for collective action in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. With a diverse range of participants contributing their insights and perspectives, the forum showcased the power of inclusive decision-making and the collective will to forge a more sustainable path forward.

The chairperson of the climate change on environment, Hon Charity Kathambi challenged the delegates present, citing the fact that the funds received in various capacities must be seen to be used by the communities. She added that women are no longer taking a back seat on issues, rather they are actively engaged in decision-making processes both in climate change and other socio-economic issues they are directly or indirectly involved in. “We must stop imposing politics on bills such as the Climate Change Amendment Bill, because it interferes with the proper implementation and enaction of laws that revolve around catastrophic events, people’s livelihoods and lives,” the Hon Charity Kathambi somberly stated in her remarks.

The event not only served as a platform for dialogue but also ignited a sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership. Attendees recognized their pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of climate governance in Kenya. The forum’s impact will reverberate beyond its duration, inspiring ongoing engagement and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient society.

The proposed Climate Change (Amendment) Bill 2023 is designed to align Kenya’s climate change efforts with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. One of the key areas of focus is the development and implementation of carbon markets, which serve as mechanisms for transferring and transacting emission reduction units, mitigation outcomes, or offsets generated through carbon initiatives, programs, and projects.

Recognizing the significance of international obligations, the Bill emphasizes the need for carbon markets and non-market approaches to adhere to global standards. It also introduces benefit-sharing mechanisms within carbon markets and suggests formulating comprehensive guidance and policy directions for national and county governments, as well as the public and other stakeholders.

With the Ministry’s call for public participation, the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance has taken proactive measures to mobilize civil society organizations (CSOs) and indigenous groups. Their aim is to gather a wide range of perspectives and expertise, ensuring that the final Bill reflects the diverse needs and concerns of the population.