Arusha. In a significant step towards promoting clean and sustainable cooking energy, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has donated 528 gas cylinders and corresponding double-plate stoves to staff of the Tanzania Prisons Service in the Arusha Region.
The handover ceremony, held at Arusha Central Prison on June 25, underscored the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on traditional fuels and advancing environmental conservation.
Presiding over the event, the chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Retired Major General Jacob Kingu, commended President Samia for her steadfast leadership in advocating clean energy adoption nationwide.
“Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan stands as Tanzania’s foremost proponent of clean cooking energy. She has consistently directed institutions serving large populations to transition to safer, eco-friendly energy sources,” stated Ambassador Kingu.
He further emphasised the government’s dedication to encouraging all citizens to embrace clean cooking solutions, a move aimed at protecting the environment and combating deforestation.
Director General of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Eng Hassan Saidy, urged institutions and citizens to adopt clean enargy.
“I urge you all to adopt clean and safe energy in your homes. The President has allocated substantial resources to ensure Tanzanians transition from harmful fuels to modern, sustainable alternatives,” said Engineer Saidy.
He also outlined the objectives of the National Clean Cooking Energy Communication Strategy, which seeks to enhance public awareness and institutional engagement on the importance of clean cooking technologies.
The strategy includes targeted campaigns to accelerate the adoption of these solutions across the country.
Acting Regional Prisons Commander for Arusha, ACP, Prosper Kapinga, expressed appreciation for REA’s initiative, describing it as a tangible reflection of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods through sustainable energy.
“This initiative exemplifies the government’s resolve to elevate living standards by embracing cleaner, more efficient energy solutions,” he remarked.
The distribution forms part of a broader national strategy under President Samia’s administration to expand clean cooking energy access, particularly within public institutions, as Tanzania moves to reduce biomass dependency and mitigate environmental degradation.
