KENAS Champions Climate-Smart Economic Integration at Council of Governors Climate Sensitization Meeting
Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) was among key stakeholders participating in a high-level sensitization forum organized by the Council of Governors (CoG), aimed at empowering county governments to integrate climate-smart business practices and climate-resilient investments into local economic development. The meeting took place at the Sarova Imperial Hotel, Kisumu, under the theme of promoting sustainable industrialization and trade within a changing climate landscape.
The three-day forum brought together representatives from all 47 counties, including County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of Trade and Industry from Kisumu, Migori, Embu, and Bungoma counties, as well as directors responsible for trade and climate matters. National institutions and strategic partners represented included the Office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade; the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA); the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS); the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK); and KENAS.
Representing KENAS was Ms. Everlyn Kabongó, Principal Accreditation Officer for Scheme Development, who delivered a presentation on the role of accreditation in advancing Kenya’s climate change agenda. She focused particularly on the Validation and Verification scheme for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, implemented by KENAS in alignment with ISO 14065:2020 and international best practices.
“Accreditation ensures that the data behind climate action—particularly GHG claims—is credible, consistent, and aligned with global reporting standards. Without this trust, climate finance, carbon markets, and national emission reduction goals would be compromised,” Ms. Kabongó emphasized.
Bridging Accreditation and Climate Action
The discussion underscored the vital role of accredited conformity assessment bodies in delivering trustworthy validation and verification of carbon reduction projects. KENAS’s scheme not only supports Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) but also unlocks access to emerging green financing instruments such as carbon credits and climate bonds.
Participants learned that through KENAS-accredited validation and verification bodies, counties and local enterprises can:
- Quantify GHG emissions reductions accurately,
- Align local climate action projects with international protocols like CORSIA and the Paris Agreement,
- Attract climate investments with greater transparency,
- Build resilience through science-based data and credible reporting.
Empowering Counties for Climate-Resilient Trade
The forum’s primary objective was to equip County Directors and CECMs with knowledge and tools to embed climate adaptation and mitigation into their economic strategies—particularly in trade, industry, and investment. As climate risks increasingly threaten agriculture, infrastructure, and water security, counties are seeking robust mechanisms to align with both national policy frameworks and the Africa Climate Strategy.
By integrating quality infrastructure—comprising accreditation, metrology, standards, and conformity assessment—into county-level programs, counties can position themselves as reliable destinations for green and climate-conscious investments.
Conclusion: Local Action, Global Impact
As the climate crisis accelerates, KENAS remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s capacity for climate monitoring, emissions accountability, and sustainable development. Events such as the CoG climate sensitization forum are essential in connecting the dots between policy, science, and implementation at the grassroots level.
Accreditation ensures not just compliance—but climate credibility. Through partnerships and strategic outreach, KENAS continues to enable counties and businesses to play their part in building a low-carbon, climate-resilient Kenya.
