In a concerted effort to combat health hazards stemming from the use of unsafe cooking energy sources, stakeholders in Tanzania have initiated the ‘Pika Kijanja’ campaign.
This campaign, spearheaded by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) in collaboration with various partners, sets out to enhance access to clean cooking energy, particularly targeting women across the country.
At the core of the ‘Pika Kijanja’ campaign is the promotion of electric stoves as a viable and sustainable alternative for cooking.
The campaign, orchestrated through TBC’s Bongo FM station, seeks to foster partnerships with entrepreneurs and governmental bodies to ensure the widespread availability of electric stoves to citizens.
During the official launch event held in Dar es Salaam, Prosper Magali, Chairman of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), emphasized the economic advantages of electric stoves. Magali underscored that electric stoves not only offer a cost-effective solution but also contribute to minimizing energy costs for households.
Supporting this initiative, Sayuni Mbwilo, an Energy Engineer from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), shed light on efforts to uphold quality standards for stoves imported into the country.
Mbwilo outlined a stringent quality assurance policy overseen by the Standards Agency (TBS), ensuring that citizens have access to reliable and high-quality appliances.
In addition to promoting the adoption of electric stoves, the ‘Pika Kijanja’ campaign prioritizes educating citizens on proper energy usage practices. This educational outreach aims to reduce energy consumption and associated cooking expenses, thus contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
Aisha Dachi, Director of Radio Services at TBC, reiterated the organization’s commitment to extending the campaign’s reach to all corners of Tanzania.
Following the launch event, plans are underway to conduct educational initiatives and events in rural areas, ensuring that every citizen receives comprehensive guidance on transitioning to clean and safe cooking energy.
The ‘Pika Kijanja’ campaign stands as a beacon of progress in Tanzania’s journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. With concerted efforts from stakeholders, the widespread adoption of clean cooking energy is not just a possibility but a tangible reality on the horizon.