The National Assembly Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) has called on the government to adopt clean cooking energy solutions across the country’s correctional facilities.
This follows the Committee’s inspection tour of prisons in Kilifi County, where reliance on firewood for cooking remains widespread.
Committee Chairperson Caroli Omondi emphasized the urgent need for the shift to clean energy alternatives such as biogas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and charcoal briquettes.
He noted that the continued use of firewood contributes to deforestation, environmental degradation, and health risks for both inmates and staff.
“This move is critical in supporting the government’s broader efforts to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change,” said MP Omondi.
Why MPs want inmates trained on charcoal briquettes production?
The Committee further recommended the training of inmates in the production of charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste, offering them practical skills while reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
Prison staff would also benefit from capacity-building programs to operate and maintain clean energy systems.
In addition to clean energy initiatives, the lawmakers urged for the acceleration of digital infrastructure in prisons to facilitate remote court hearings. This, Members noted, would help ease overcrowding and speed up judicial processes for remandees and inmates.
During the visit, lawmakers applauded ongoing rehabilitation programs, including vocational training, counselling, water harvesting, and environmental management, with notable support from Mabati Rolling Mills, Mombasa Cement, and the Red Cross.
The lawmakers concluded their work tour with donations of food items to prisons in Kilifi County.
Kaloleni Prison also received a television set to enhance access to news and entertainment. Inmate representatives and prison officers expressed gratitude for the visit and the Committee’s continued support.
