Carbon credit initiatives in Kenya

Written by on June 4, 2025

Carbon credit initiatives in Kenya, particularly in regions like Oldonyo Nyokie Maasai land, have sparked significant debate due to their impact on soil health, agricultural practices, and the livelihoods of indigenous communities.

While some projects, such as the Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP), have demonstrated benefits like improved soil fertility and increased crop yields through sustainable farming practices, not all initiatives have yielded positive outcomes.  The Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project, for instance, has faced criticism for undermining traditional pastoralist practices.  The introduction of rotational grazing systems has disrupted indigenous grazing patterns, potentially jeopardizing food security and soil health  .

In regions like Oldonyo Nyokie , Maasai communities have expressed concerns over carbon credit projects that do not adequately involve them in decision-making processes.  The Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project, for example, has been criticized for lacking proper consultation with local communities and for implementing practices that conflict with traditional land use, such as restricting migration during droughts  .

A significant issue is the exclusion of communities from benefiting directly from carbon credit revenues due to insecure land tenure.  Indigenous women, in particular, have highlighted that the absence of formal land registration prevents them from participating in and benefiting from these initiatives .

To ensure that carbon credit projects are beneficial and equitable:

Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the planning and implementation phases, ensuring their traditional knowledge and practices are respected.

Secure Land Tenure: Establish clear land rights and registration processes to enable communities to participate fully in carbon credit initiatives.

Transparency and Accountability: Implement mechanisms to ensure that revenues from carbon credits are transparently managed and equitably distributed among community members.

Environmental Integrity: Ensure that carbon sequestration practices are scientifically sound and do not degrade soil health or biodiversity.

By addressing these issues, carbon credit projects can become a tool for both environmental conservation and the empowerment of indigenous communities, fostering sustainable development in regions like Oldonyo Nyokie Maasai land.


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