By Elizabeth Angira
Worth Noting:
- Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasizes the judiciary’s commitment to sustainable green practices by prioritizing solar energy installations in courts.
- She states that the installation of solar panels would eliminate service delays caused by power outages, ensuring uninterrupted court operations.
- The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya shared that the judiciary has already installed solar systems in 40 courts.
- She cites that in the 2025-2026 financial year, the judiciary aims to expand this initiative to 107 additional courts to mitigate the effects of budget cuts.
- Mokaya urges leaders to recognize the importance of funding the judiciary for such transformative projects.
In Kenya’s rural and underserved regions, frequent power outages have long disrupted the flow of justice.
From halting hearings mid-proceeding to delaying essential document processing, the interruptions have led to prolonged case backlogs, leaving thousands of citizens waiting for justice.
However, a new solution has emerged in the form of solar-powered court systems, promising uninterrupted service and a significant reduction in delays.
Keeping the Lights On in the Courts
In Kenya Counties like parts of Narok County, courts have increasingly turned to solar energy as a reliable power alternative.
Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasizes the judiciary’s commitment to sustainable green practices by prioritizing solar energy installations in courts.
She states that the installation of solar panels would eliminate service delays caused by power outages, ensuring uninterrupted court operations.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya shared that the judiciary has already installed solar systems in 40 courts.
She cites that in the 2025-2026 financial year, the judiciary aims to expand this initiative to 107 additional courts to mitigate the effects of budget cuts.
Mokaya urges leaders to recognize the importance of funding the judiciary for such transformative projects.
Principal Judge Oscar Angote notes that the solar panel installations align with Kenya’s environmental goals to combat degradation, reduce pollution, and address climate change.
He highlights that these solar installations will help lower the judiciary’s carbon footprint, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Kenya.
Principal Judge Angote , where outages can last for days, explained, “We used to see cases postponed regularly due to power issues, sometimes for weeks. But with solar energy installed, we have reduced adjournments by almost 60%, helping us address the backlog.” This shift towards solar-powered systems has enabled courts to operate independently of the grid, keeping essential services running regardless of power supply issues.
Efficiency
Chief Magistrate Kilgoris Law courts Mary Ngwaro illustrates the profound impact of this shift. “In the past, some cases would take months just because of a few hours of lost time due to power issues,” she notes. “With solar energy, we’ve been able to ensure that hearings proceed uninterrupted. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about delivering on the promise of justice.”
According to Ngwaro they are able to access the station email anytime and correspondences are responded to without delay. This has enabled communication to flow smoothly.
The officer also indicated that previously they had to wait for power to resume so as to type and update the cause list, fill succession forms and place court orders in the website.
“This would be an inconvenience to both the court users, litigants and even judicial officers but with the solar panel, it has been effective, ensuring that no delays both in typing and updating.
For citizens, the change is just as meaningful. Many Kenyans travel long distances to attend hearings, only to face rescheduling due to unexpected power outages. Affected citizens, such as Ruth Naseiku , who waited nearly a year for a property dispute resolution, describe the relief that solar-powered consistency brings. “I would come to court four times, and each time there was a power issue that delayed the case,” she said. “But since they’ve installed solar, the case moved forward, and we finally got a verdict.”
The Broader Benefits of Solar Energy in Justice
Beyond just improving access to timely justice, solar energy adoption in courts offers environmental and economic benefits.
Solar energy significantly reduces the operational costs of running court facilities, easing pressure on the judiciary’s budget. Solar providers collaborating with the judiciary highlight the dual impact: the installation of solar panels in rural courts reduces the judiciary’s carbon footprint while providing an affordable power solution that is sustainable in the end.
Moses Okello, a representative from Solar Solutions Kenya, one of the providers involved in these installations, emphasized the role of renewable energy in public services. “We’re proud to partner with the judiciary in making justice more accessible. It’s a perfect example of how solar can help transform institutions in Kenya, even beyond the courts.”
COP 29
We are here to respond to a key challenge: turning the energy transition towards justice,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, asking the participants at a roundtable discussion to weigh in on the work of his Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
The panel launched last year at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates with the aim of bringing together governments, international organizations, industry and civil society to develop common and voluntary principles to guide extractive industries “in the name of justice and sustainability”.
In Baku COP 29, the UN chief, who convened at the event, says that the renewables revolution is powering forward. Last year – for the first time – the amount invested in grids and renewables overtook the amount spent on fossil fuels.
Potential for Expansion and Future Impact
The success of solar-powered courts has prompted discussions on expanding similar systems to other public institutions in Kenya.
Schools, health facilities, and administrative offices in underserved areas face similar power challenges, and solar energy could provide a sustainable solution for them as well. This cross-sectoral approach to solar energy adoption could create a ripple effect, improving service delivery and supporting Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy use.
According to the 2024 Renewable Energy Tracker Report by Climate Action Network, Kenya is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy deployment in the power sector by 2040, thanks to its substantial solar, hydro, wind, biomass, and geothermal resources.
“Kenya’s renewable energy progress puts it on a path to reach 100% renewables by 2040, with aspirations for 2030, positioning it among the top 20 globally in renewable deployment relative to its economic size,” the report noted.
Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
Elizabeth’s portfolio reflects her commitment to excellence and advocacy:
*************************************************
🏆 Awards & Honors
