On December 10, 2024, the Rural Energy Agency (REA), in partnership with the Tanzania Association for the Advancement of the Deaf (TAMAVITA), conducted specialized training on the use of clean cooking energy.
The program culminated in the distribution of six-kilogram gas stoves to 64 individuals from special groups, including persons with hearing impairments, visual impairments, and albinism, in Bukombe District, Geita Region.
Speaking at the event, Bukombe District Administrative Secretary, Mr. Ally Mketo, lauded REA for its efforts to promote clean and safe cooking solutions, particularly among vulnerable groups.
"Our nation is moving away from the use of traditional, unsafe, and environmentally harmful energy sources like firewood, charcoal, and cow dung. Instead, we are adopting clean and safe energy solutions that protect health and the environment," said Mr. Mketo.
He noted that the shift to clean energy could also address long-standing social challenges, such as the stigma and harm faced by elderly individuals with red eyes, historically linked to misconceptions fueled by the use of smoky, unsafe energy sources.
Additionally, clean energy solutions contribute to preserving the environment by reducing deforestation caused by excessive firewood and charcoal use.
REA's trainer, Engineer Kelvini Tarimo, emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to make clean cooking energy accessible to all, including marginalized groups.
“The National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy aims to ensure that 80% of Tanzanians are using clean cooking energy by 2034. To achieve this goal, we are conducting community education programs to encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies. Participants of these training sessions are not only learning about these technologies but are also expected to become ambassadors, spreading the message to others,” explained Engineer Tarimo.
TAMAVITA Executive Director, Mr. Kelvin Nyema, expressed heartfelt appreciation to REA for organizing the training and providing gas stoves to people with disabilities.
“This training has been invaluable for us, particularly for persons with hearing, visual, and other impairments. We thank Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, for responding to our request for this program. Additionally, we are grateful to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in subsidizing gas stoves, which has enabled today’s distribution of 64 stoves to participants,” said Mr. Nyema.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Tanzanians by promoting clean energy solutions that enhance health, safeguard the environment, and foster inclusivity across all sectors of society.
Through efforts like these, Tanzania continues to take significant strides toward achieving its national clean energy goals and ensuring no one is left behind in the energy transition journey.