27 November 2014: As part of its REDD+ readiness process, the Government of Kenya and partners have launched a National Task Force on Anti-corruption for REDD+. The Task Force aims to identify how REDD+ can be more transparent and accountable and to support the implementation of social safeguards.

In its first year, the Task Force will convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss corruption risks and solutions. It will also provide guidance on stakeholder engagement, the application of national guidelines on free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), and review of existing grievance mechanisms. The Task Force will provide input into the “draft benefit-sharing Bill,” a regulatory step to ensure equity in the distribution of REDD+ financial benefits. It will also conduct capacity development for governmental, private and non-governmental stakeholders.

The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (UN-REDD) is providing support for the Task Force, including 4.5 million Kenyan Shillings in funding for the first year, as well as technical support based on previous analytic work focused on a corruption risk assessment and the evaluation of benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The Task Force consists of representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (MEWNR), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Transparency International Kenya, the Land Commission, the Kenya Forest Service, the National REDD+ Office, the National Treasury, Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners, and the National Alliance for Community Forest Associations. [UN-REDD Press Release]