A NEW solar power project in Kayenze Village, Ushetu Constituency in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, has added five megawatts to the national grid, strengthening electricity supply and advancing the government’s clean energy expansion drive.
The electricity generated by the project is transmitted to the national grid through a 33-kilovolt (33kV) transmission line.
Speaking after visiting the project site yesterday, the Publicity, Ideology and Training Secretary of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Mr Kenan Kihongosi, commended the Ministry of Energy for implementing the solar power initiative, describing it as an important step in promoting clean and sustainable energy.
He said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and accelerating development in different parts of the country.
“Through projects like this, we continue to witness the government’s commitment to delivering development to people and promoting the use of clean energy,” he said.
Mr Kihongosi also praised the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for implementing strategic energy projects aimed at strengthening the country’s power generation capacity.
He cited major initiatives such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which produces 2,115 megawatts, as well as the Kishapu solar power project whose first phase has already begun generating 50 megawatts.
He further commended the Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, and Deputy Minister Ms Salome Makamba for their leadership in overseeing the implementation of energy projects across the country.
On her part, Deputy Minister for Energy Ms Makamba said the Kayenze solar project was completed in May 2025 and began operations immediately after completion.
She noted that the project has also contributed to community development through the construction of a dispensary building in Kayenze Village at a cost of 130m/.
Regarding electricity distribution in Ushetu Constituency, Ms Makamba said the government has already provided funds to extend electricity to 136 hamlets in the constituency.
She said that the remaining hamlets, estimated at about 100, are expected to be connected to electricity by 2030.
The project forms part of broader national efforts to expand electricity access and strengthen energy security as Tanzania continues to invest in renewable and conventional power sources.
Government statistics show that Tanzania’s installed electricity generation capacity currently stands at about 3,431.2 megawatts, largely produced from hydropower and natural gas.
The government also plans to add about 2,463 megawatts from solar, natural gas, wind, geothermal and other sources by 2030 as part of efforts to meet growing demand for electricity and support economic development.