REDD+
The REDD+ framework, activities, safeguards, monitoring and results.
REDD+ Framework
- Kenya REDD+ websitereddplus.forestry.go.ke
National REDD+ website: Kenya's REDD+ framework, the REDD+ Registry and Nesting Guidelines, news and partners. The NFMS-FIP provides the forest monitoring and MRV data behind it.
Kenya develops its REDD+ system at the national level. Decision 1/CP.16 asks countries undertaking REDD+ to develop four elements: a National REDD+ Strategy or Action Plan, a Forest Reference Emission Level / Forest Reference Level (FREL/FRL), a robust and transparent National Forest Monitoring System, and a Safeguards Information System.
Activities are implemented in phases: strategies, policies, measures and capacity building first; then implementation and results-based demonstration; then fully measured, reported and verified results-based actions (Decision 1/CP.16, paragraphs 73–74).
Scope as of the first FRL (2020): carbon dioxide only; above- and below-ground biomass only.
Vision and objectives (National REDD+ Strategy)
Vision: by 2030, Kenya achieves 10% national tree cover and becomes a carbon-neutral middle-income country. Mission: support Kenya's low-emission development through REDD+ for multiple benefits.
- Increased forest and tree cover
- Enhanced forest productivity
- Increased investment in forest development
- Protection of existing forest cover
- Integrated good governance in the forest sector
- Enhanced forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits
- Enhanced livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities
REDD+ moves in three phases: readiness (strategy, FRL, NFMS, safeguards), implementation of policies and measures, and results-based payments for verified emission reductions.
Five strategic options to address the drivers of deforestation and degradation.
52.2 Mt CO₂ a year (2002–2018): the benchmark for REDD+ results.
Satellite land monitoring, the National Forest Inventory and this forest information platform.
How the seven Cancun safeguards are addressed and respected.
- 2009
Kenya signals its intention to pursue REDD+ and submits the Readiness Plan Idea Note (R-PIN)
- 2010
Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) approved
- 2016
USD 3.88 million secured from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for REDD+ readiness
- 2018–2021
REDD+ readiness project implemented by the Ministry with UNDP
- 2020
Forest Reference Level submitted to the UNFCCC; updated NDC submitted
- 2021
National REDD+ Strategy and Safeguards Information System completed; Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests signed
- 2024
Third National GHG Inventory (1990–2022) with the first Biennial Transparency Report
- 2025
Kenya REDD+ Registry and Nesting Guidelines launched (28 July), Africa's first national REDD+ registry; Second NDC (2031–2035)
- 2026
South–South exchange with Côte d'Ivoire on forest monitoring (February); REDD+ Global Summit in Nairobi (May)
Gazetted and community forests, mangroves, plantations, protected areas and restoration sites. Use the layer list to switch layers on and off.
- National REDD+ Strategy (PDF)forestry.go.ke
Ministry of Environment and Forestry, December 2021: drivers, five strategic options, institutional arrangements, MRV.
- Kenya's Safeguards Information System (PDF)forestry.go.ke
Country approach to the seven Cancun safeguards and their indicators.
- Kenya REDD+ websitereddplus.forestry.go.ke
News, REDD+ projects, how to register a project, policies and downloads.
Source: Ministry of Environment and Forestry, National Forest Monitoring System in the Republic of Kenya, Version 1 (Draft), February 2021. Chapter 3.6 and Chapter 2.
Source: National REDD+ Strategy, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, December 2021; Kenya REDD+ Registry launch, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, 28 July 2025; reddplus.forestry.go.ke.