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The National Assembly has passed key legislation as part of efforts towards climate action even as the adverse effects of changing climate continue to be felt across the country.

Kenya experienced one of the worst droughts in history at the beginning of the year, and just when the country was getting relief with the onset of short rains, floods propelled by the El Nino phenomenon set in.

According to the Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah, the effects had propelled government agencies into action, with Parliament taking a strong stance on Climate Action through legislation.

The Climate Change (Amendment) Bill which was recently approved by MPs and assented to by President William Ruto is among the raft of measures taken within the framework of whole government approach to combat the effects of climate change.

“The passage of this new law paves the way for Kenya to engage a broader range of stakeholders and support its emissions reduction goals,” says the majority leader.

Kenya’s voice

The law sought to amend the Climate Change Act of 2016 to regulate carbon markets. It also created and enhanced the mandate of several institutions responsible for the regulation of the carbon markets.

According to the Chairperson Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining David Gikaria, the passing of the Bill is crucial to cementing Kenya’s voice on Climate Action.

“If this law is approved by this House, it will enhance Kenya’s profile globally and will ensure high quality carbon trading,” he told the House.

Further, the law sought not only to provide an additional revenue stream to support sustainable development but also to support the country’s endeavour to comply with the Paris Agreement which Kenya ratified and became a party to in 2016.

Climate council

Article 6 of the Agreement encourages Parties to raise their mitigation ambition through carbon markets and non-market approaches.

Ichung’wah said the previous Act had no provision for a legal framework for carbon trading, necessitating amendment to facilitate the effective implementation of carbon markets and trading in alignment with the objective of the Climate Change Act, of 2016.

“Although the Climate Change Act, of 2016 laid the foundation for Kenya’s climate change response by establishing the National Climate Change Council and mandating the development of the National Climate Change Action Plan, it fell short of addressing the regulation of the carbon markets, as an essential instrument for achieving emissions reduction goals and fulfilling commitments under international agreements,” he says.