National Environmental Trust Fund Board CEO Samson Toniok during a past event/NETFUNDKenya’s National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) has achieved a significant milestone by being accredited as the 36th National Implementing Entity (NIE) under the Adaptation Fund’s direct access system.
This means NETFUND can now directly receive and manage climate finance to support adaptation projects across the country.
This landmark development, announced during the 44th meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board in Bonn, Germany, enhances Kenya’s capacity to directly access and manage climate finance.
Under the direct access modality, NIEs can independently design, implement, and monitor climate adaptation and resilience projects without intermediary institutions.
This approach empowers countries to take ownership of their climate response strategies.
With NETFUND’s accreditation, Kenya becomes the first nation to have two NIEs accredited by the Fund, the other being the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Accreditation is a rigorous and competitive process that verifies an institution’s capacity to manage Adaptation Fund resources responsibly and effectively.
It begins with nomination by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Kenya’s designated authority for the Fund, and includes a thorough evaluation of the nominee's financial integrity, project management capabilities, and alignment with national priorities.
“This milestone will undoubtedly enable us to impact vulnerable communities in urgent need of adaptation solutions,” NETFUND CEO Samson Toniok said.
“We are grateful to the Adaptation Fund and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for their leadership and support. NETFUND remains committed to sound financial and environmental practices.”
This accreditation not only boosts the country’s ability to address climate challenges but also reflects the country’s growing leadership in climate governance and environmental sustainability.
NEMA has been the primary implementing entity for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in the country.
It was accredited in March 2016, making it one of the 33 institutions globally authorised to carry out GCF projects.
GCF is a new global fund created to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the challenge of climate change.
It helps developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change.
As such, NEMA has the authority to carry out a series of activities, which include developing and submitting funding proposals for projects and programmes and overseeing the management and implementation of projects and programmes.
It can also deploy a range of financial instruments within its capacity and mobilising private sector capital.
The Adaptation Fund finances projects and programmes that help vulnerable communities in developing countries adapt to climate change.
Initiatives are based on country needs, views and priorities.
Since 2010, the Adaptation Fund has committed about $1.25 billion (Sh162 billion) for climate change adaptation and resilience projects and programmes, including 183 concrete, localised projects in the most vulnerable communities of developing countries around the world with about 45.8 million total beneficiaries.
It also pioneered Direct Access and Enhanced Direct Access, empowering countries to access funding and develop local projects directly through accredited national implementing entities.
