Kenya’s correctional facilities are set to begin transitioning to clean cooking technologies as the government moves to modernise kitchens and reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuels.
Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr Salome Beacco said the department is targeting to complete the first phase of the transition by the end of 2026.
The programme will initially cover Kenya Prisons Service and Probation and Aftercare facilities in Nairobi and its environs before being rolled out to other correctional institutions across the country.
Infrastructure designs for clean cooking kitchens have already been developed ahead of the programme’s implementation.
“In collaboration with the State Department for Petroleum and other state agencies, the department is exploring alternative cooking energy sources, including improved cookstoves, LPG reticulation systems, and hybrid solar water-heating systems. The transition is targeted for completion by June 2027,”statement read.
The State Department for Correctional Services is working with the State Department for Petroleum and other government agencies to explore alternative energy sources for cooking.
The technologies under consideration include improved cookstoves, LPG reticulation systems and hybrid solar water-heating systems.
The overall transition is targeted for completion by June 2027.
The clean cooking programme is expected to help reduce environmental degradation while improving public health and energy efficiency within correctional facilities.
It is also intended to strengthen energy security and support Kenya’s low-carbon development agenda by introducing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
The Clean Cooking Committee noted that existing kitchen infrastructure in many correctional facilities is suitable for the installation of LPG systems.
This could allow the government to introduce the new systems without requiring major structural modifications to existing facilities.
