In light of Kenya's recent legal measures to regulate carbon markets and significant progress in REDD+ readiness, KEPSA in partnership with Conservation International (CI), with UK PACT support, organised a workshop from 11th – 15th March 2024, for private sector players in the sector. The workshop aimed to bolster the understanding and involvement of Kenya's private sector in REDD+ and carbon markets and served as a platform for enhancing private sector engagement in climate action efforts, particularly in the realms of REDD+ and carbon markets.

Through this training, the private sector is better equipped to contribute meaningfully to Kenya's climate resilience and sustainability goals. The workshop had four primary objectives:

• To deepen private sector understanding of REDD+ fundamentals and its implementation in Kenya.
• To elucidate the implications of Paris Agreement Articles 5 and 6, especially in the context of carbon trading and REDD+.
• To explore collaborative opportunities for accessing global finance sources and effectively nesting REDD+ projects.
• To underscore the significance of supporting local communities and ensuring their participation in carbon trading endeavours.

For the three days, the workshop covered a range of topics including REDD+ Nesting, Paris Agreement Articles focusing on carbon rights, safeguards, and market mechanisms, gender equality, social inclusion, and community involvement, nature-based solutions and good governance in REDD+, and the roles of indigenous peoples and local communities in REDD+.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of REDD+ principles and their application in Kenya's context. Discussions on the Paris Agreement Articles provided insights into the intricacies of carbon trading and the broader implications for climate action. Collaborative opportunities highlighted during the workshop emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement for successful climate initiatives.