In a major push to accelerate Tanzania’s transition to clean and safe cooking energy, the government has distributed gas stoves and cylinders to prison officers in Manyara Region part of a broader national initiative to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood.
The initiative, implemented by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) in collaboration with the Tanzania Prisons Service, supports the goals of the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy, which aims to increase access to cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable cooking solutions across the country.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Babati Prison on June 26, 2025, the Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador (Ret.) Major General Jacob Kingu, confirmed that the government has already distributed 330 gas stoves and cylinders to prison officers across Manyara, with 150 units specifically allocated to Babati Prison.
“The government is fully committed to replacing hazardous cooking fuels with clean energy solutions. Prisons are strategic public institutions that can lead by example in advancing this important national agenda,” said Amb. Kingu.
He noted that the government, through REA, has signed an agreement with the Tanzania Prisons Service to facilitate the gradual elimination of traditional cooking energy sources such as charcoal and firewood in correctional facilities nationwide.
“Since January 2025, the Prisons Service began transitioning to clean cooking energy, demonstrating significant progress by moving away from unsafe fuels that pose health and environmental risks,” he added.
REA’s Director General, Eng. Hassan Saidy, called on prison officers to champion the clean energy campaign within and beyond the correctional system.
“We are calling upon all officers to be ambassadors of clean cooking energy in their communities. This is part of the larger vision set by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has prioritized access to clean, modern energy as a driver of health, dignity, and sustainable development,” said Eng. Saidy.
He also revealed that REA is preparing to roll out 126 biogas production systems in collaboration with the Tanzania Prisons Service.
Additionally, 61 machines for manufacturing alternative charcoal will be procured, and staff will receive targeted training to build capacity for implementing and sustaining clean energy projects in the prison system.
Reacting to the support, Manyara Regional Prisons Commander, ACP Solomon Mwambingu, expressed deep appreciation to President Samia for what he described as a timely and transformative intervention.
“The distribution of gas stoves and cylinders is not just a benefit to our officers it is a bold statement about the government’s commitment to environmental protection, health, and innovation,” he said.
“We stand ready to support this vision by promoting clean cooking practices in our daily operations and in the communities we serve.”he added
The initiative is part of Tanzania’s national efforts to achieve universal access to clean cooking energy by 2032, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which calls for access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
With over 80 percent of Tanzanians still relying on charcoal and firewood for cooking, the government’s partnership with strategic institutions such as the Prisons Service marks a critical step forward.