Residents of Kahama District have praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for delivering electricity to all villages and most hamlets through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), a move they say has transformed livelihoods and accelerated local development.
Authorities said all 246 villages and 479 hamlets in Kahama have now been connected to the national grid, strengthening economic and social activities across the district.
The milestone was marked on January 10, 2026, during ceremonies to switch on electricity at Majengo hamlet in Wendele Ward and Chapulwa hamlet in Mwendakulima Ward.
Speaking during the events, residents said access to electricity has reduced household burdens, improved security and opened opportunities for small businesses, education and social services.
“Getting electricity is a huge relief for us. We thank the government for bringing power to our area. Our lives are changing,” said Mariam Manyesha, a resident of Majengo hamlet.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said the achievement reflects the government’s commitment to universal access to electricity as outlined in the CCM 2025–2030 election manifesto.
She said President Samia has directed that 1.7 million Tanzanians be connected to electricity within the year, noting that implementation is already in progress.
“I want to assure citizens that we are implementing the President’s directives. Electricity is a key driver of economic growth, and we have seen significant changes in areas that have been connected. Our priority is to continue expanding access,” Ms Makamba said.
She urged communities to protect and properly use electricity infrastructure to ensure sustainable service delivery, stressing that safeguarding the facilities is a shared responsibility.
REA’s Director of Rural Electrification, Jones Olotu, speaking on behalf of the agency’s Director General, said REA is pressing ahead with plans to reach remaining hamlets nationwide.
He said contracts to extend electricity to 9,009 hamlets across the country are expected to be signed soon.
Ms Makamba also assured residents that all remaining hamlets yet to be connected in Kahama and elsewhere will be reached, reaffirming the government’s commitment to using electricity as a catalyst for inclusive growth and improved living standards.