On 30^th January 2025, KEPSA held a consultative meeting with Bayer East Africa. As a key member of KEPSA, Bayer East Africa has been at the forefront of driving sustainable agricultural solutions and their interest in soil carbon initiatives aligns closely with KEPSA’s broader goals of advancing environmental sustainability and economic growth in Kenya. KEPSA was represented by Dr. Jackson Koimbori, Head of KEPSA Consult, Circular Economy and Climate Change. The Bayer East Africa delegation, led by Lionel Alexandre, the New Venture Lead for Crop Carbon Credits, included Humphrey, Thales and Emilie from Bayer East Africa's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) office.

The meeting focused on Bayer East Africa's ambition to expand its crop carbon credits program into Africa, with Kenya chosen as the first country on the continent. Bayer East Africa shared its vision of developing a strong carbon market in Kenya by leveraging agricultural practices to sequester carbon in the soil and generate carbon credits. Dr. Koimbori and the KEPSA Consult team expressed keen interest in collaborating, recognizing the potential for both environmental conservation and growth within Kenya's agricultural sector.

Key discussions during the meeting included an overview of soil carbon initiatives in Kenya, current market trends, and the regulatory landscape surrounding carbon trading. The team also explored potential opportunities for private sector investments in soil carbon programs, highlighting the significant role businesses and industries can play in supporting sustainable practices. Bayer East Africa emphasized its commitment to partnering with local stakeholders, including KEPSA, to create a market that fosters innovation in sustainable farming and climate change mitigation.

A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to conduct a market and stakeholder analysis to better understand the dynamics of the Kenyan soil carbon market. KEPSA Consult will lead this research, identifying gaps and opportunities, and providing valuable insights to guide Bayer East Africa’s soil carbon program in Kenya. This analysis will help Bayer East Africa navigate the complexities of the Kenyan market and lay the groundwork for a successful initiative.

With Kenya’s growing influence in climate change solutions, the collaboration between KEPSA Consult and Bayer East Africa holds the potential to create a transformative impact. Bayer East Africa’s expertise and resources, combined with KEPSA’s local knowledge, position this partnership to develop a robust soil carbon program. The initiative promises not only environmental benefits but also contributes to the growth of Kenya’s agricultural sector and economy, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships in addressing global climate change challenges.