On Purpose with Benson Thiongo: Leveraging Carbon Markets to Unlock Climate Finance – Ikigai

On Purpose with Benson Thiongo: Leveraging Carbon Markets to Unlock Climate Finance

“On Purpose” is Ikigai Nairobi’s member spotlight series where we learn about the journeys that shape our members’ purpose and their work.

Meet Benson Thiongo

Benson Thiongo, an impact finance professional whose work bridges the worlds of climate action and sustainable investment. He set to lead our Lunch & Learn session where he will share more on “Leveraging Carbon Markets to Unlock Climate Finance,” an insightful discussion on how effective carbon pricing and crediting can attract private capital while supporting community-led climate solutions.

Benson is passionate about building market systems that create both economic opportunity and environmental impact. His career blends finance, sustainability, and community development driven by a deep belief that climate action should be inclusive, scalable, and rooted in purpose.

Passion and Purpose

For Benson, this work isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling shaped by passion and purpose.

“What drives me is a blend of passion and purpose the passion for building innovative partnerships, and the purpose of advancing sustainable climate solutions.”

He believes that Africa’s future in the global carbon market lies in designing frameworks that value both ecological integrity and community benefit. His approach emphasizes innovation, transparency, and long-term impact.

What’s Next?

Over the next five years, Benson envisions contributing to the growth of strong African carbon market frameworks systems that attract investment while delivering measurable value to local communities.

He sees this as the next frontier for climate finance: empowering African nations not just to participate in global markets, but to lead them.

Finding Balance

When he’s not deep in policy or project design, Benson reconnects with what first inspired him — nature itself.

To unwind, I go hiking, take long nature walks, or just spend quiet outdoor moments with my family. It helps me reset and reminds me why this work matters.

What do you love about Ikigai?

“Ikigai is thoughtfully curated with a beautiful blend of nature, making it a perfect place to work from. It gives a ‘home away from home’ vibe. The community is great — warm, and with genuinely kind staff who make you feel part of a family.”

For Benson, the Ikigai environment mirrors his own philosophy — a space where purpose and peace coexist. Surrounded by greenery, he finds inspiration and focus to continue shaping climate-positive change.

If you would like to connect with Benson or his team, you can join us for our upcoming Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, or reach out via:

LinkedIn: Thiongo Ndungu   | Website: South Pole | Climate solutions for a net zero future

Join us and Benson on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at Ikigai Lower Kabete for the upcoming edition of our member-led event series, Lunch & Learn.

Ikigai is a collective of wellness-focused, beautifully designed shared and private biophilic spaces to work, connect and unwind across Kenya’s bustling capital city – Nairobi – with five locations across the city in Lower Kabete, Lavington, Westlands – Peponi Road, Riverside, and Westlands – Brookside Drive. We provide our community and the wider Nairobi ecosystem with beautiful environments that nurture meaningful human interactions.

 

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