Kenya Targets $45 Billion in Support to Cut Emissions by 2035

Kenya is stepping up its efforts to reduce emissions, unveiling a new national roadmap that will depend heavily on international support—especially through carbon markets and foreign investment. The East African nation is aiming to secure $45 billion to help meet its updated targets for the 2031–2035 period.

An African woman cooking a dinner using an energy-efficient cookstove with a backyard in the background. AI generated picture. 

In a submission to the UN dated April 30, Kenya committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 35% below projected business-as-usual (BAU) levels by 2035. This marks an increase from its previous target of 32% by 2030, set in 2020.

To meet this more ambitious goal, the government estimates a total of $56 billion will be needed. Of that, only 20% is expected to come from within the country. The rest, as Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa stated, must come from abroad in the form of ‘finance, investments, technology development and transfer, and capacity building, as well as participation in carbon markets.’

The emissions goal translates to avoiding 75.25 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2035. Fifteen million tonnes of that are ‘unconditional,’ meaning Kenya will achieve them even without outside funding. But for the remaining 60 million tonnes, international backing is essential.

This updated strategy is drawing significant attention from stakeholders in carbon trading, particularly those involved in the mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Kenya’s approach could help clarify how the country plans to split its emissions reductions between domestic use and projects eligible for international cooperation.

Investment areas outlined in the plan include renewable energy, clean transport, reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and efficient waste management—sectors that can generate strong environmental and economic returns.

To guide participation in global markets, Kenya will introduce a sector whitelist and set annual targets throughout the implementation period. These actions align with the country’s broader vision to reach middle-income status.

Despite being one of Africa’s most active carbon project hubs, Kenya is treading carefully. Officials are aware of the risk of overcommitting on emissions reductions and are still finalising a regulatory framework for credit authorisation under Article 6. A timeline for completion has yet to be confirmed.