Nature-based solutions and carbon credit initiatives in Kenya: An overview of the governance context

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have emerged in policy agendas as an umbrella term for approaches that address societal challenges through ecosystem conservation and restoration. While the literature has examined numerous aspects of Nature-based Solutions, there has been little research on the governance and institutional dynamics of such projects. The collaborative research project “Governing Nature-based Solutions – Justice, Carbon and Nature” (JUCAN) examines this issue in the context of Kenya. Kenya’s current government pursues a policy of becoming Africa’s “carbon hub”, and a number of projects are currently being implemented in grasslands, forests and coastal areas that attract funding from carbon credit sales on the Voluntary Carbon Market. This Working Paper provides a preliminary overview of the national governance context for Nature-based Solutions in Kenya. The paper discusses the historical context, outlines the evolution of NbS in policies and laws, describes key stakeholders and frameworks in project governance, and provides an overview of the finance landscape.