The government has stepped up its efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking energy in public institutions, with the latest move seeing the distribution of 225 gas cylinders to staff at Maweni Maximum Security Prison in Tanga.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), aligns with the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034) and is part of a broader government directive that mandates institutions serving over 100 people to transition from traditional cooking fuels to cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
Speaking during the launch event held at Maweni Prison on June 24, 2025, Chairperson of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador (Ret.) Major General Jacob Kingu, said the intervention was a direct implementation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.
“This programme reflects the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that all large institutions move away from dirty cooking fuels and adopt clean energy. It’s about safeguarding both our environment and the health of Tanzanians,” he said.
Ambassador Kingu noted that all prisons in Tanga Region are already using Rafiki Briquettes, an eco-friendly coal product manufactured by the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), as part of the transition process.
REA Director General, Eng. Hassan Saidy, emphasized the importance of awareness and behavioral change among users.
“We are not just providing equipment we are laying the foundation for a national mindset shift. Clean cooking energy must be embraced not only as a government directive but as a lifestyle,” he said.
He revealed that the nationwide project is valued at TSh35.2 billion, with REA contributing TSh26.5 billion approximately 75.4 percent of the total to subsidize access and ease adoption in correctional facilities.
Tanga Region alone is set to benefit from a total of 653 gas cylinders for correctional staff, making it one of the key beneficiaries of the rollout. The package includes double-burner gas cookers provided free of charge to prison officers.
Acting Tanga Regional Prisons Commander, ACP Nade Baynit, commended REA for prioritizing correctional staff in the clean energy transition.
“This support empowers our officers and improves their quality of life. We urge all recipients to use the gas stoves responsibly and be role models in championing clean energy,” he said.
Lake Gas Ltd, the implementing partner, has pledged to uphold all contractual obligations. The company’s Clean Energy Coordinator, Ramadhani Siasa, assured stakeholders that they will combine product delivery with education campaigns.
“Our goal is not only to distribute gas cylinders but also to educate and raise awareness among communities to drive long-term behavioral change,” he said.
The government’s push for clean cooking energy comes amid rising concerns over deforestation, indoor air pollution, and the health risks associated with traditional biomass fuels.
The initiative, therefore, stands as a key pillar in Tanzania’s energy transition strategy, especially for public institutions such as prisons, schools, and hospitals.
