By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya and Norway have signed
a Statement of Intent to negotiate a bilateral agreement under Article 6.2 of
the Paris Agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening international
climate cooperation and expanding carbon market engagement.
The agreement was signed on
9 June 2026, laying the groundwork for a future structured bilateral
arrangement aimed at facilitating the transfer of internationally traded
mitigation outcomes between the two countries.
According to Kenya’s Special
Envoy for Climate Change, the development goes beyond a diplomatic signal and
opens the pathway for a formal agreement that could expand the pool of buyers
for carbon credits generated in Kenya.
The initiative is expected
to unlock new flows of climate finance, stimulate private sector green
investment, create employment opportunities, and support broader climate and
development objectives in Kenya.
Kenya has positioned itself
as a regional leader in carbon market readiness, while Norway, through its
NOGER Initiative, has committed significant climate finance support for
developing economies, including an allocation of over NOK 15 billion.
Both countries indicated
that attention will now shift to detailed negotiations aimed at finalizing a
bilateral agreement that aligns with Article 6.2 rules and supports
high-integrity carbon market development.
The partnership is expected
to contribute to Kenya’s clean energy transition while supporting global
efforts to achieve Paris Agreement targets through market-based climate
mechanisms.
