Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has been appointed to the Multi-Sectoral Technical Committee (MSTC), a high-level team tasked with shaping Kenya’s carbon market framework.
This prestigious three-year appointment, effective November 22, 2024, was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, through a gazette notice.
The move positions KenGen at the forefront of advancing Africa’s carbon trading future and unlocking new opportunities in the fight against climate change. Reacting to the appointment, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, hailed it as a timely recognition of the company’s contributions to sustainable development.
“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. 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,” said Eng. Njenga.
The NSE-listed company CEO added, “This appointment underscores KenGen’s leadership in clean energy innovation, driving sustainable solutions that power our nation and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.”
The appointment, made under the Climate Change Act, 2013, and the newly enacted Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024, establishes a technical structure to oversee the development of carbon projects and facilitate participation in carbon markets.
The initiative is expected to catalyse the growth of Kenya’s carbon economy, paving the way for the country to monetize its climate actions through the sale of carbon credits.
KenGen, a trailblazer in clean energy production, brings a wealth of expertise to the committee, having earned a cumulative 6.9 million carbon credits from six Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects registered under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
These projects include the Olkaria II Geothermal Expansion, Redevelopment of Tana Hydro Power Station, and Ngong Wind Project, among others. The MSTC is a multidisciplinary body comprising representatives from key government ministries, counties, and agencies.
Its primary mandate is to provide technical advice to the Designated National Authority (National Environment Management Authority, NEMA) on carbon project assessments. This collaboration ensures alignment with international climate protocols while fostering local expertise and innovation.
KenGen’s inclusion in the MSTC aligns with its strategic focus on renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity generated from clean sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind.
By leveraging its experience and technical know-how, KenGen aims to strengthen Kenya’s position as a leader in climate action and green energy. Through the MSTC, Kenya is set to establish a robust carbon market, allowing public and private entities to trade emission reduction units, offsets, and mitigation outcomes.
This mechanism will play a critical role in
driving investments into climate projects and ensuring compliance with national and international
regulations.
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Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC - KenGen is the le
