By East Africa Journal Reporter
Solar Project at Nairobi Remand Boosts Virtual Courts, Cuts Energy Costs
The Government has commissioned a new solar power system at the Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security Prison, a move expected to improve access to justice, enhance prison operations and reduce electricity costs.
Speaking during the commissioning on Monday, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the project marks a major step in modernising Kenya’s correctional services through clean energy and digital transformation.
“Today’s commissioning is far more than the launch of a solar power installation. It represents our robust commitment to ensuring that justice never stops, that public institutions remain resilient, and that correctional facilities become centres of innovation, rehabilitation and excellence,” Wandayi said.
The project was implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya, the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime under the PLEAD Programme.
Wandayi noted that before the installation of the solar system, frequent power outages regularly disrupted virtual court proceedings at the facility, which supports between 200 and 500 virtual court sessions daily for courts across the country.
“Without reliable electricity, justice was delayed, court proceedings were interrupted, and essential digital systems became inoperable,” he said, adding that the outages also affected water supply and sanitation within the prison.
The newly installed 28.08-kilowatt peak hybrid solar power system, equipped with battery storage, inverter chargers, a rehabilitated backup generator, automated switching systems and energy-efficient lighting, now provides uninterrupted power to critical operational areas.
The Cabinet Secretary said the investment has significantly improved the reliability of virtual hearings, allowing hundreds of mentions, hearings, rulings, appeals and bail applications to proceed daily without unnecessary adjournments.
“The benefits are clear: reduced case backlogs, lower transportation costs, enhanced security, greater court efficiency and more effective use of public resources. Above all, this initiative protects the constitutional rights of accused persons by enabling timely access to justice,” he said.
Wandayi also said the project advances Kenya’s climate action agenda by reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering operational costs.
“Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. This investment goes beyond powering our facilities; it strengthens energy security, advances environmental stewardship and demonstrates our commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient future for generations to come,” he said.
He urged correctional institutions across the country to embrace renewable energy and called for continued investment in virtual court infrastructure, integrated security systems, high-speed connectivity and ICT solutions to modernise correctional services.
Wandayi thanked the European Union, UNODC, the State Department for Correctional Services, the Judiciary and the technical teams involved in the project, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that support reforms in the justice sector.
He concluded by officially commissioning the Solarization Project at Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Security Prison.
