Mandera eyes carbon credits to boost climate action, sustainable development
The county government noted that due to the region's high vulnerability to climate change, it is intensifying its efforts through its greening programme.
Mandera County is exploring carbon credits as a potential avenue for sustainable development and climate action.
The county department of environment and climate change held a two-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Khalalio and Mandera North sub-counties to discuss the carbon credit eligibility assessment for the county.
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The County Executive Committee Member for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Mohamud Eda, presided over the meeting, whose discussions aimed to inform and educate the public about carbon credit opportunities and, at the same time, help to seek input to support decision-making and strengthen climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
"As part of these efforts, the county is exploring innovative approaches to resource mobilisation, including earning carbon credits from both completed and planned climate interventions," reads a statement by the county government.
The county government noted that due to the region's high vulnerability to climate change, it is intensifying its efforts through its greening programme.
Mohamed Abdi Ali, an environmental activist in Mandera, said the carbon credits will help the county in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as reforestation, renewable energy adoption and waste management improvements.
"Carbon trading can also directly benefit local communities through project implementation and revenue sharing," he said.
He cited how communities in Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit and Laikipia counties were already benefiting from the Northern Kenya Rangelands carbon projects.
"The carbon credit projects support these communities on infrastructural development, bursaries and water access," he said.
He urged the Mandera County government to invest in its technical capacity, since developing and managing carbon credit projects requires technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives.
The Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023 has established a framework for carbon trading, creating opportunities for businesses, investors and communities in Kenya.
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