SOLAR-POWERED HYBRID SYSTEM COMMISSIONED AT THE NAIROBI REMAND AND ALLOCATION MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON
By Nicholas Kigondu
A solar-powered hybrid system has been launched at the Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security Prison as efforts to enhance access to justice within correctional settings gathers pace.
The facility, which was commissioned by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Monday, was installed through the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery in Kenya – Phase Two (PLEAD II), funded by the European Union, and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Government of Kenya.
Speaking during the commissioning, the CS said the government remains committed to the delivery of justice that is accessible, efficient and people centered.
“This investment is testament to how multilateral partnerships can transform correctional services in the country. The government is investing in correctional services that are environmentally responsive and alert to the needs of the citizenry.” Observed the CS.
Besides contributing to reduced electricity cost, the CS said the investment strengthens security as well as the provision of essential services including virtual court hearings thereby ensuring continuity in the delivery of justice.
He pledged his ministry commitment to work with the State Department for Correctional Services in its quest to adopt green solutions including transition and sustainability.
Speaking during the event, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the project aligns with the government’s commitment to enhance innovation, transformation and efficient service delivery, adding that it exemplifies shared commitment of providing practical solutions.
While lauding European Union and UNODC for their support, the PS said the government has prioritized strategic investments that are transforming Kenya’s correctional system.
According to European Union Ambassador Henriette Geiger, EU remains committed to supporting programmes that improve human rights and dignity saying it has already committed 70 million Euros towards reforming Kenya’s justice sector through digitization, solarization and access to justice for all.
UNODC Regional Representative Ali EL-Bereir says the solarization project is a people centered justice intervention saying it will reduce need for physical presentation of inmates to courts, attributed to frequent power interruptions, sentiments supported by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh who said it was testament to how collaborations can work to enhance access to justice and improve public service delivery.
The solar-powered hybrid system includes a 28.08 kWp solar plant, 40.96 kWh battery storage, 48 solar panels, three inverter chargers and eight batteries, providing 24 hours of power backup to key areas of the prison including on virtual Court hearings.
Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security Prison is one of Kenya’s busiest correctional facilities, holding about 3,900 inmates, most of whom are remandees awaiting trial. The prison supports approximately 200 to 500 virtual court sessions per day, linking inmates to courts in Nairobi and across the country.