Nairobi — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has ploughed in Sh296 million $4 million) in support of the Kenya government's facilitation of suspected Somali pirates trials.

UNODC Counter Piracy programme co-ordinator Alan Cole said the funding was aimed at easing the burden on Kenya for conducting trials on the suspected pirates.

Mr Cole added that the funds were donated by the European Commission, USA, Canada and Australia in support of Kenya government.

He said part of the funds would be used for training judges, prosecutors, police and prison officers who handle the suspects matters.

"The Kenya government has played a key role on carrying out trials on suspected pirates. And that is why the UN with support from donors has chipped in terms of training judges, prosecutors and other personnel who are involved in trying the suspects," Mr Cole said.

Under the Counter Piracy Programme which will run for two years, he said, some Kenyan prisons would be renovated to create a conducive environment to prisoners.

Among the prisons which are being refurbished includes Shimo-La-Tewa prison in Mombasa, Malindi, Manyani, Naivasha and Kamiti Maximum prison.

"Some of the Kenyan prisons are being refurbished to improve the living conditions of prisoners. We want the inmates to have a comfortable environment while serving their sentences," added the UNODC official.

He was speaking at Shimo-La-Tewa Prison where a famous Holywood actor Nicholas Cage had toured the institution.

The renowned actor was received by Coast Provincial Prison Commander James Kodieny and Shimo-La-Tewa Prison Officer in-charge Wanini Kireri

Mr Cage's visit to the prison was aimed at raising the profile of the UN's Counter Piracy programme.

The Holywood great awarded trophies and certificates to prison officers who underwent training on counter piracy.

The Shimo-La-Tewa prison was specifically chosen for Mr Cage's visit owing to major reforms which were carried out by the government.

It is also here that the suspected pirates are held.