The National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) has achieved a significant milestone after being accredited by the Adaptation Fund, granting it the authority to directly access climate financing. This accreditation enables NETFUND to oversee the full lifecycle of climate adaptation and resilience projects from design and implementation to monitoring and evaluation.
The Adaptation Fund, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, finances climate adaptation initiatives in developing countries and has disbursed over $1.25 billion since 2010. The Fund operates under a pioneering “direct access” modality, which allows accredited national institutions to manage funds directly, ensuring more country-driven and locally tailored climate solutions.
NETFUND now becomes the 36th National Implementing Entity (NIE) under this system and the second in Kenya after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The accreditation enhances Kenya’s capacity to respond to climate challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities that are most affected by climate change impacts such as drought, flooding, and food insecurity.
“This milestone will undoubtedly enable us to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable communities that are in urgent need of adaptation solutions,” said Samson Toniok, NETFUND’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are thankful to the Adaptation Fund and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, without whose goodwill and leadership this achievement would not have been possible.”
The Ministry, which serves as the Designated Authority (DA) for the Adaptation Fund in Kenya, nominated NETFUND for accreditation. The endorsement underscores the government’s commitment to broadening national access to climate finance and building institutional capacity to manage adaptation resources effectively.
With this new status, NETFUND is also expected to strengthen its operational systems, ensuring compliance with robust environmental and fiduciary standards. “I would like to assure NETFUND’s commitment to sound financial and environmental practices,” added Toniok.
This accreditation marks a crucial step for Kenya’s climate action agenda, positioning NETFUND as a key player in mobilizing resources for community-based resilience and adaptation projects across the country.
