Governance & Policy
Kenya Climate Change Act 2016
Kenya's framework climate law, establishing a national climate council, five-year action plans, county-level duties and a climate fund.
Definition
Kenya's Climate Change Act, Act No. 11 of 2016, establishes the institutional framework for climate action, including a National Climate Change Council chaired by the President, a Climate Change Directorate, five-year National Climate Change Action Plans, obligations for county governments to integrate climate into development planning, and a Climate Change Fund. A 2023 amendment added carbon market regulation provisions.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- Climate Change Act (Kenya) · Act No. 11 of 2016
Overview
What it means
Kenya built one of Africa's first comprehensive climate statutes, now updated to govern its growing carbon credit sector.
How it is used
Counties mainstream climate in plans; project developers navigate the amended carbon-market rules; the council coordinates national reporting.
Why it matters
It is the anchor climate law of East Africa's largest economy and a template for African climate governance and carbon-market regulation.
Review
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