By Betty Luke
Community conservancies in Northern Kenya have expressed optimism regarding the ongoing transition of carbon credit governance from Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) to a community driven framework identified as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
The residents, at a recent stakeholders meeting, termed the transition as a bold move to reclaiming control over their resources.
Representatives, civil societies and project partners welcomed the proposed shift saying the new governance structure would ensure inclusivity, accountability and direct participation by communities in the carbon market.
Communities will now directly source the market for their carbon credits, thereby reducing costs that are usually spent for market linkages.
The SPV will operate as a community owned company that will be responsible for overseeing carbon projects, managing finances and ensuring accountability.
“This is about community’s ownership. Through the SPV, the community will no longer be a participant but the decision makers. We will negotiate, plan and enjoy the benefits directly,” Leparua Conservancy Chairperson Zeinab Hassan said.
Once operational, the SPV will also be in charge of revenue management, collection of earnings from emission reductions and distribution of resources earned to the conservancies using an agreed formula.
NRT East Regional Chairperson Adan Denge Guracha said “All the earnings will be made clear to the community who will then decide on whether or not to continue using the existing revenue sharing formula”.
The SPV will also conduct annual independent audits and publish reports addressing previous concerns over unclear agreements and alleged misuse of funds.
NRT CEO Vishal Shah said the new structure would strengthen carbon governance and ensure proper monitoring and reporting for the benefit of the community.
“The community will now be in full control. Grievance handling will also be transparent as the framework is by the community and for them as well,” he told The Press Point.
Carbon Project Board Chairperson Andrew Dokhole the transition was designed to streamline operations while strengthening community participation at every stage of the carbon credit trading.
A section of the community members called for continuous capacity building during the transition period to ensure they comfortably handle the expanded responsibilities.
