The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) has responded to allegations raised in Deutsche Welle’s (DW) documentary, How Big Tech’s Carbon Offsets Are Threatening Kenyans. The documentary accuses NRT and the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project (NKRCP) of unethical practices. These include land disputes, financial mismanagement, and human rights violations. It also highlights the 2017 death of local pastoralist Mr. Ltenewa Lempatu during a police operation. Concerns were raised about how fencing affects grazing in the conservancies.
NRT has strongly rejected these allegations. The organization clarified that it does not control community land but instead helps communities secure land tenure. NRT emphasized that conservancies voluntarily join the NKRCP. Governance decisions are made by local communities. On financial mismanagement claims, NRT explained that 57% of carbon credit revenue goes to conservancies, while only 3% covers operational costs.
Addressing the 2017 incident, NRT stated that Mr. Lempatu’s death was unrelated to the NKRCP. Reports indicate that the deceased’s family also denied any link to NRT’s activities. NRT dismissed claims regarding fencing, explaining that it aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict rather than restrict grazing access.
The organization also criticized DW’s journalistic practices. It accused the documentary of misrepresenting interviews, using outdated footage, and failing to verify facts with NRT or local communities. Despite these concerns, NRT expressed readiness for independent investigations. It offered full transparency, including access to financial records. Independent evaluations by Dr. Kanyinke Sena and Saferworld found no misconduct. Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard continues to validate the NKRCP.
Ian Craig, NRT’s co-founder, retired six months ago. His departure, significant due to his role in supporting 33 community conservancies, was clarified as part of a planned restructuring process. The NRT Council of Elders reassured the public that it aimed to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Isiolo South MP Mohamed Tubi has also been vocal about indigenous communities’ concerns. Tubi, the former Isiolo County Assembly Speaker, has highlighted issues with land use, carbon credit projects, and conservation policies. These issues align with those raised in the DW documentary.
NRT continues to advocate for its carbon offset initiatives, which it says have supported drought relief and community development. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is working to improve the carbon credit market. It aims to implement new regulations and support community-focused projects to promote climate resilience and economic growth. The debate highlights the balance between environmental conservation and protecting local communities’ livelihoods.