A total of 25 residents of Mbezi Jogoo in Dar es Salaam have benefited from a clean cooking initiative under a soft loan programme for modern electric cooking stoves, implemented by the TANESCO as part of its efforts to promote the use of electricity for cooking across households.
The initiative is part of TANESCO’s ongoing clean cooking programme aimed at encouraging communities to transition from traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood to cleaner, safer and more efficient electric energy solutions.
The programme supports the government’s national clean energy agenda, which focuses on improving public health, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable development.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries received electric cooking stoves through an affordable credit arrangement designed to make the technology accessible to a wide range of households, including low- and middle-income earners.
The repayment process is being facilitated through the LUKU electricity token system, allowing users to pay gradually over a period of 12 months.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Councillor of Mbezi Juu Ward, Anna Lukindo, commended TANESCO for effectively implementing the clean cooking agenda at community level, saying the initiative is making a real difference in people’s daily lives.
She noted that the programme not only improves household welfare but also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood, which are major drivers of deforestation and indoor air pollution.
She further encouraged more residents in the ward to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that the soft loan arrangement has been structured to be simple and affordable.
She added that repayment through electricity purchases makes it easier for beneficiaries to manage their finances without pressure.
TANESCO Public Relations and Customer Service Officer, Winifrida Peter, provided guidance to beneficiaries on the safe and proper use of the electric cooking stoves.
She stressed the importance of following safety instructions to prevent accidents and ensure long-term efficiency of the equipment.
She also highlighted that clean cooking initiatives are part of broader efforts to reduce health risks caused by smoke from traditional cooking methods, particularly among women and children who are most affected in households.
TANESCO said the programme will continue to expand gradually to other areas as part of its national rollout strategy aimed at increasing access to clean cooking solutions and supporting Tanzania’s transition to modern and sustainable energy use.
Officials added that the initiative is also intended to promote productive use of electricity while contributing to national development goals and global climate action efforts.
The programme is increasingly being recognized as a practical step towards changing cooking habits at community level, as more households embrace cleaner, safer and more efficient energy alternatives.
