Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the judiciary to adopt environmental conservation sentences instead of custodial sentences.
The DP spoke on Wednesday during the closing of the third symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa.
Gachagua said most of the offenders are hustlers and may not raise the fines.
"Diverse research shows that detentions and prisons in most African countries hold more than thrice their capacity. In others, more than half of the detainees are petty offenders. Petty offences are punishable by a fine, jail term or both," Gachagua said.
"Instead of custodial sentences I urge the judiciary to embrace environmental conservation sentences as has recommended in a host of criminal justice reports," he said.
"We count on the Judiciary to issue precedence-setting judgements. Such judgements will also inform new laws or reviews thereof, for the benefit of the people," Gachagua noted.
The DP added that the judiciary is a critical component in dispensing climate justice.
"It is encouraging that the Judiciary has taken up the initiative of Greening our Continent," he said.
He said Kenyans appreciate the Judiciary which is involved in greening the nation in support of the Executive's goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
"A strong and independent Judiciary is good for Kenya and Africa when the adverse effects of climate change are hitting hard," Gachagua added.
