The cost of preparing meals for students in 13 primary schools in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam, is set to drop significantly following the introduction of electric cooking, replacing the traditional use of firewood.
The move is part of the government’s electric stove initiative for primary schools, implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Energy, the Temeke District Department of Early and Primary Education, and the World Food Programme (WFP).
At Kibasila Primary School, one of the pilot institutions, Headteacher Halima Rukumbwe said the school previously spent between TZS 20,000 and TZS 25,000 daily to prepare meals for 450 students. This included morning porridge, tea, and lunch of rice and beans.
“Since adopting electric stoves, daily costs have dropped to between TZS 8,000 and TZS 10,000. This amount also covers electricity for operating water pumps used in school activities,” she said.
Rukumbwe noted that the new system has improved efficiency, allowing cooks to prepare meals faster and in cleaner conditions.
It has also contributed to better student attendance, as meals are now served on time, motivating learners to attend classes regularly.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Clean Cooking Energy Unit at the Ministry of Energy, Omar Khalifa said the first phase of the project is being implemented in four regions: Dar es Salaam (Temeke District), Dodoma (Dodoma Urban District), Tabora (Tabora Urban District), and Kigoma.
WFP Food Adviser Dr. Geoffrey Ngegwa confirmed that in Dar es Salaam, the initiative covers 13 schools in Temeke District.
Apart from Kibasila Primary School, the remaining schools undergoing installation include Likwati, Madenge, Umoja, Alhasan Mwinyi, Unubini, Lioness Miburani, Nzasa, Ponde, Wailes, Chemchem, and Charambe.
Dr. Ngegwa added that the school infrastructure is ready, and the final stage installing modern pressure cookers is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026.
The project is expected to not only reduce cooking costs and save time but also improve hygiene and contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing reliance on firewood.
