Clean Cooking Revolution: Kilimanjaro Region Struggles to Meet Energy Transition Goals
Only two percent of public institutions in Kilimanjaro Region have successfully implemented clean cooking energy, revealing significant challenges in the region’s ambitious clean energy transformation strategy.
The National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy aims to eliminate firewood and traditional charcoal use in over 31,395 food preparation institutions by July 2025. However, a recent monitoring report shows minimal progress, with just 25 out of 1,316 institutions adopting clean cooking technologies.
The regional target requires an additional 79 institutions to transition to clean energy by December 2025. The affected institutions include 273 secondary schools, 1,006 primary schools, 21 colleges, 15 hospitals, and one elderly care centre.
Regional leadership is actively addressing the challenge through multiple strategies:
– Conducting extensive awareness campaigns
– Collaborating with private sector partners
– Distributing subsidized gas cylinders
– Financing gas infrastructure in boarding schools
– Implementing energy-efficient stove programs
Challenges persist, with many local businesses and individuals citing cost and safety concerns as primary barriers to adoption. Some food vendors continue using traditional cooking methods, highlighting the need for continued education and support.
Government and energy sector stakeholders remain committed to expanding clean cooking technologies. Ongoing initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact, improving public health, and providing affordable alternative energy solutions.
The clean cooking transition represents a critical step towards sustainable development in Kilimanjaro Region, promising long-term benefits for communities, health, and environmental conservation.
