A new digital platform is changing how Rwandans buy cooking gas, track cylinders, and avoid returning to charcoal, as Yes Shop Ltd officially launched its Tekeraheza system while unveiling plans for a nationwide rollout of affordable 3kg gas cylinders.
At an official handover ceremony held during Labour Day celebrations on 1 May 2026 in Kigali, company leaders described the Tekeraheza app as a major innovation aimed at making clean cooking easier, cheaper, and faster for ordinary families across Rwanda.
The mobile application allows customers to order gas online directly from their phones through Play Store or Apple Store, removing the need to physically carry cylinders to dealers or rely only on phone calls.
“Yes, this app is here to completely change how people access gas,” said Yes Shop Ltd Chairman Jean d’ Amour Ntibitura.
“Before, customers had to carry gas cylinders to dealers or make calls and wait. But now, with Tekeraheza, someone simply downloads the app, orders gas online, and within minutes gas is delivered. It saves time, improves security, and makes life easier.” He said
Jean d’ Amour explained that the system also helps users track stolen cylinders, monitor gas levels, receive alerts before gas runs out, and compare fair market prices.
“Before gas finishes, the system sends you a message warning you days in advance. This prevents families from suddenly running out and going back to charcoal or firewood. Our goal is to stop people from returning to unhealthy cooking methods.” He said
3kg Cylinder Targets Low-Income Families
One of the biggest announcements at the event was the upcoming introduction of Tekeraheza-branded 3kg gas cylinders designed for lower-income households.
The smaller cylinders will offer a cheaper entry point for families unable to afford the standard 12kg cylinders, which can cost more than Rwf26,000. The new 3kg option is expected to cost around Rwf6,600, making clean cooking more accessible.
“Many families fail to refill large cylinders because of high costs, forcing them back to charcoal, with the 3kg cylinder, customers can buy smaller amounts based on daily income without sacrificing clean energy.” Jean d’ Amour said
The company says the new cylinders will use an “open access” model, allowing them to be refilled at multiple authorized gas plants nationwide regardless of brand ownership restrictions.
This means a customer in remote districts like Rusizi or Nyamasheke will no longer need to travel long distances to refill specific branded cylinders.
“Someone in Rusizi should not have to travel to Kigali or Muhanga just because of cylinder ownership restrictions, Tekeraheza technology removes that barrier.” He added
Government Support and Technology Investment
Yes Shop leaders credited Rwanda’s Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) for grant funding that helped make the platform possible after previous software failures.
Jean d’ Amour Ntibitura revealed that earlier digital systems had failed twice before, making this successful deployment especially important.
“This was our third attempt at building such software. Previous systems failed, but with government support and the right developer, Tekeraheza is now over 99% complete and operational.” He said
The app already has more than 1,600 downloads within months of operation, which the company sees as a strong sign of public trust.
Dealers and Customers Report Faster Service
Gas dealers and users who tested the system praised its speed, stock management, and customer satisfaction.
Alice, a gas dealer, said: “Tekeraheza helps us control stock, serve customers faster, and grow our business. Customers are happier because service is quick, and even lost cylinders can be tracked.”
Customers Clarisse also said the app reduces missed deliveries common with traditional phone orders.
“Before, calls could be forgotten, now when I order on the app, I know my request is recorded and will be delivered on time.” She said
National Clean Cooking Goals
Industry stakeholders say the app supports Rwanda’s wider environmental goals by reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood, major contributors to deforestation and household air pollution.
Safe Gas representative Frank praised the project as a milestone for Rwanda’s LPG sector.
“Digital systems simplify life, improve statistics, help businesses manage inventory, and support national clean energy targets.” He said
Future Expansion
According to Yes Shop Ltd Chairman Jean d’ Amour Ntibitura , the company plans to distribute up to one million 3kg Tekeraheza gas cylinders across Rwanda over the next five years through partnerships with investors, grant providers, and energy sector stakeholders.
He said the strategy is designed to make clean cooking affordable and accessible for households nationwide, especially low-income families who often struggle with the high cost of larger gas cylinders.
Jean d’ Amour believes the Tekeraheza app, combined with the affordable 3kg cylinder model, could become a major solution in Rwanda’s clean cooking transition by reducing reliance on charcoal and firewood while improving access to safer, eco-friendly energy.
He described the initiative as one of Rwanda’s most ambitious efforts to merge technology, affordability, and environmental protection in expanding modern cooking solutions for citizens across the country.
