Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The government has set out eight key priorities for the Ministry of Finance in the upcoming financial year, focusing on macroeconomic stability, improved revenue mobilisation, debt management and the adoption of digital and data-driven systems in public financial administration.

Presenting the ministry’s plan and budget priorities in Parliament, Minister for Finance Khamis Mussa Omar said debt servicing remained a key focus area, with the ministry expected to allocate Sh15.1 trillion for the payment of matuAAring principal and interest, in line with contractual obligations and efforts to sustain investor confidence in regional and international financial markets. In addition, the government will set aside Sh100 billion every month to clear arrears owed to public servants, contractors, service providers and suppliers.

“The Ministry of Finance is seeking approval for total expenditure of Sh21.34 trillion for recurrent and development spending across eight ministry votes. Of this amount, Sh19.45 trillion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Sh1.89 trillion is earmarked for development expenditure,” said the minister.

He said the government aims to sustain economic growth of 6.3 percent in 2026 while keeping inflation within a single-digit range of between three and five per cent.

He said foreign exchange reserves are expected to remain sufficient to cover at least four months of imports of goods and services, reflecting efforts to maintain external stability. Among other priorities, the ministry will strengthen fiscal discipline by improving revenue collection, resource allocation, procurement processes and value-for-money oversight, while also minimising budget reallocations between government votes.

On revenue projections, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is expected to collect S1.01 trillion in gross tax and non-tax revenue in the 2026/27 financial year, including Sh39.64 trillion in tax revenue and Sh1.37 trillion from non-tax sources. TRA will also intensify voluntary tax compliance through public education campaigns, improved service delivery and enhanced enforcement measures aimed at curbing tax evasion and corruption using intelligence-led audit systems.

The government also plans to enhance systems for managing revenues, grants and loans, with the aim of contributing Sh55.2 trillion to the Consolidated Fund, representing 88.6 percent of the total government budget of Sh62.3 trillion. The ministry also plans to improve the allocation of financial resources based on research evidence, reduce duplication, and strengthen equity in the distribution of funds between central and local government authorities.

A further priority is the review of programme-based budgeting to assess its effectiveness in guiding public expenditure and supporting potential reforms in budget management systems. Capacity building for public officials will also be expanded, particularly in environmental compliance, governance standards and the use of artificial intelligence in public finance and economic management.

Despite progress in implementing previous priorities, the minister acknowledged several challenges affecting fiscal operations. These include rising borrowing costs in international financial markets, weak uptake of electronic payment systems affecting non-tax revenue collection, and global geopolitical tensions that have disrupted supply chains and increased the cost of goods and services.

He also cited shifting development partner policies, which are expected to reduce external grants in the 2026/27 projections, as well as rising domestic arrears and increased demand for capacity building within the public sector. To address the challenges, the ministry said it will expand domestic revenue collection systems, increase reliance on the local financial market following strong performance in government securities auctions, and strengthen digital platforms for payments, service delivery and revenue administration.

Other measures include improving the investment and business environment, formalising the informal sector to broaden the tax base, and allocating funds to clear outstanding arrears owed to contractors and suppliers. The ministry also confirmed continued investment in training public servants on environmental sustainability and the application of artificial intelligence in government operations.

The Parliament’s Budget Committee commended the government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for its strong financial capacity to service public debt on time and as required. “Although public debt remains sustainable under all international benchmarks, the debt-to-exports ratio currently stands at 13.9 percent against a ceiling of 15 percent.

If export performance is not strengthened, there is a risk of reaching the threshold, which could undermine debt sustainability,” said the committee chairperson Mr Mashimba Ndaki. “The committee urges the government to invest in sectors and strategies that boost exports in order to contain debt levels and strengthen the value of the shilling.

It further calls on the Government to reduce domestic borrowing so as to create more space for the private sector to access credit at more affordable interest rates,” he added. .

Dar es Salaam. The government, through the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) Executive Committee, has resolved to establish an International Financial Centre (IFC) to attract investors, improve access to capital, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

Speaking after the 38th TNBC Executive Committee meeting at State House in Dar es Salaam, Chief Secretary and TNBC Chairperson, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, said the decision aimed to improve the investment climate. He stressed the government remained committed to working with the private sector to resolve investment bottlenecks.

“We agreed to establish an IFC to address investor challenges and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in attracting international capital,” he said. Bank of Tanzania Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said Tanzania had reached a stage of development suitable for establishing and operating an IFC, based on a proposal from TNBC’s Finance Working Group.

He noted that six African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, already host similar centres and Tanzania would become the seventh, with Dar es Salaam identified as the preferred location. He said the IFC would enhance capital inflows, support financing of large-scale projects, improve access to finance for institutions and companies, and strengthen Tanzania’s global competitiveness, and deepen integration into regional and international financial markets, while facilitating cross-border investment opportunities and improving efficiency of capital allocation.

It would also promote knowledge and technology transfer, attract international experts, and help develop a skilled workforce in financial and business sectors, including banking, investment management, insurance, and fintech services, strengthening professional capacity and innovation across the economy over time, and significantly grow. Mr Tutuba said Tanzanians would gain opportunities to learn from global experts, while ICT systems would enable efficient transactions even remotely.

He added that Tanzania meets key requirements, including stability, security, and a strong banking sector, and offers access to a 1.4 billion-person African market through EAC and SADC.

He said these fundamentals position the country as a competitive destination for global investors seeking long-term opportunities in emerging African markets, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors. According to him, once approved, a legal framework would be enacted to safeguard investors and promote investment.

TNBC executive secretary, Dr Godwill Wanga, described the initiative as a long-awaited milestone for local and international business communities, saying it would boost capital flows, trade, and jobs, and accelerate private sector-led development, improve investment coordination, and support diversification of the economy over the medium term significantly. He said it would strengthen private sector capacity and support economic growth in line with Vision 2050. The meeting also agreed to introduce an awards system to recognise institutions contributing to national development and economic goals.

The decision follows recommendations from TNBC’s Finance Working Group in March 2026 to establish a specialised framework to attract investment and address investor challenges moving forward. .

Leonard Clement Mususa (LCM), an icon of Tanzania’s private sector, who passed away on May 30, 2026, was laid to rest yesterday. Who was LCM to me? Firstly, some reflection on his Christian names.

If I start with “Leonard”, this is a derivative of “Leonhard” a name of old “High German” (Hoch Deutsch) origin, with two core elements: (i) “leon” meaning “lion”, and (ii) “hardu” meaning “brave,” “hardy,” or “strong”. So in summary “brave lion” or “lion-hearted”.

On the other hand “Clement” comes from the Latin word “clemens”, which translates to “mild,” “gentle,” or “merciful.” It is traditionally a masculine name that reflects a calm, compassionate, and benevolent nature.

These two names were singularly appropriate for LCM. He was a man defined by conviction and integrity – something that required a lion heart.

At the same time he was invariably modest and compassionate when dealing with people. Synonymous with LCM was PwC.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) [and legacy firm Coopers and Lybrand (CandL)] was where he spent most of his working career (1978 to 2014) holding various senior roles both nationally and regionally. Earlier in his career he was Human Capital Partner for Tanzania a testament to his passion for developing talent.

His final role was Country Senior Partner for Tanzania, a role he held for 14 years till his retirement in 2014. During this period he was also a founding member and board member of the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt); he retired from the CEORt board in 2017 but up to his demise remained a very active participant in CEOrt engagements. My first interactions with LCM were in the mid-90s when I was considering returning to Tanzania from the UK.

As the then Human Capital Partner he played a key role in convincing me to come back – and in October 1995 I joined CandL (which in 1998 became PwC). I still have a copy of the employment offer letter he sent me! In 1999 I was admitted to the Partnership and over the years I held various national and regional leadership roles within PwC – including succeeding him as Country Senior Partner on his retirement in 2014, a role I held till my retirement in 2024. Why mention this? Well, my personal story is just one illustration of the type of impact LCM had on people’s development.

Coaching, training and mentoring were a passion of his – allied to this he was prepared to take a risk on people (in my case, the novel idea in Tanzania then of a dedicated tax practice); and so there are hundreds if not thousands of others (not just in the accounting profession, but also within commerce and Government) who can share similar sentiments as to how in one way or another he helped shape and support their personal growth. At the time of his retirement, some anticipated that LCM would take it a little bit easier.

Little did they budget for the “Lionheart” – indeed, I recall at the time the joke at PwC was that if anything LCM seemed to have become busier throwing himself into non-executive director roles as well as some ad hoc consulting. If his time at PwC was defined by nurturing talent, then his time post PwC was defined by nurturing institutions.

At the time of his demise he was Chairman of Tanzania Breweries Plc, Reliance Insurance Tanzania Limited, and Selcom Microfinance Bank Limited and on the board of Sotta Mining Corporation Limited. Previous board roles had included Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) as Chairman, as well as Nation Media Group Plc, NMB Bank Plc, and Bank One Mauritius.

October 2024 saw both of us appointed as Commissioners in the Presidential Tax Reform Commission, whose report was presented in March 2026. As you can imagine the nature of work as part of such a team requires the very qualities that LCM had – not just the considerable intellect and experience, but also the “lionheart” to “say it as it is” but do so in a mild and gentle manner. Indeed, LCM’s modesty made it impossible for him to act as if he had a monopoly on the truth – instead his focus was on hearing all perspectives and engaging in open and honest dialogue.

One distinguished overseas academic who had engaged with the Commission on hearing of LCM’s demise wrote to me to express their shock and condolences, and also state that “Tanzania will miss him. It needs people like him – to achieve its potential”.

Certainly the country will miss him, the business community will miss him, but his family will miss him even more. Leonard, we all will miss you – but what an amazing legacy and example – and a challenge to us all as to the legacy we will leave.

Fare thee well, gentle lionheart LCM. David Tarimo is Chairman of the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has taken another step towards establishing itself as a regional sports and tourism destination following the successful staging of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026, which attracted players from more than seven countries.

The five-day tournament, sponsored by Absa Bank Tanzania and held at the Gymkhana Club in Dar es Salaam, brought together top pickleball players from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Turkey and Dubai. Organised through a partnership between the Tanzania Pickleball Association (TPA) and the East Africa Racket Sports Club (EARSC), the event featured a corporate prize pool of $15,000 and drew strong participation from both international competitors and local fans.

In the competition, Rakshika and Agni won the women’s doubles title, while Yuvraj and Purvansh emerged champions in the men’s doubles category. Purvansh also claimed the men’s singles crown, while Agni won the women’s singles title.

Shaheed and Deandra triumphed in the international mixed doubles event, while Rakshika and Dev secured victory in the mixed doubles category. As the title sponsor, Absa Bank Tanzania said its involvement reflects a broader commitment to youth empowerment, community engagement and the development of emerging sports in the country.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the bank’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Beda Biswalo, said the tournament highlighted the growing appeal of pickleball and its potential to create opportunities for young people. “We are inspired by the remarkable energy, discipline and international talent displayed throughout the tournament,” said Biswalo.

“Our partnership reflects a deeper purpose of championing a sport that unites communities while creating meaningful opportunities for young people.” He encouraged more Tanzanians, particularly the youth, to embrace the sport, noting that pickleball offers opportunities for recreation, fitness and professional growth.

The sport’s accessibility and relatively low cost have also contributed to its increasing popularity across different age groups. Biswalo said Absa Bank’s investment in the tournament supports the government’s efforts to develop sports infrastructure, nurture local talent and position sports as a driver of economic activity and tourism.

The bank also acknowledged the support of the government, co-sponsors Pepsi and CBD Hotel, technology partner Courtly, tournament organisers and fans who contributed to the championship’s success. On his part, the President of Tanzania Pickleball Association and the East Africa Rackets Sports Club Director, Kartik Kapor described the event as a major milestone for the sport in Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, will no longer play their scheduled international friendly matches against Uganda and Rwanda in Marrakech, Morocco, after the fixtures were postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Taifa Stars had been set to face Uganda on June 5 before taking on Rwanda on June 9 during the FIFA international window. The two matches were expected to provide the technical bench with an opportunity to assess players and continue preparations for upcoming international assignments, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers and continental competitions.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Secretary General, Oscar Mirambo, confirmed the development, saying the federation would issue an official statement providing further details regarding the postponement. “Yes, we have received information regarding the postponement of the matches, and the federation will release an official statement shortly,” said Mirambo.

According to information received by the federation, the cancellation was communicated by the match agents responsible for organizing the fixtures in Morocco. The report indicated that the decision was made due to sanitary and public health considerations raised by the relevant authorities.

The unexpected postponement comes after Taifa Stars had already assembled in Marrakech for a training camp under head coach Miguel Gamondi. The camp brought together local and foreign-based players as the team sought to build momentum and strengthen preparations for future competitive matches.

The friendly matches were also expected to offer Gamondi an opportunity to evaluate several players, including newcomers and young talents recently promoted to the senior national team setup. Despite the setback, the team is expected to continue its preparations while awaiting further communication from the federation regarding possible alternative arrangements during the international window.

TFF is expected to provide additional details on the situation, including any plans to reschedule the matches or organize replacement fixtures, in its forthcoming official statement. .

Kampala. Questions over the eligibility of ministers holding dual citizenship dominated proceedings yesterday as Ugandan Parliament’s Appointments Committee began vetting President Museveni’s Cabinet and State ministerial nominees.

The issue surfaced during the appearance of businessman and Trade minister-designate Sanjay Tana before the committee, with legislators seeking clarification on reports that he holds dual citizenship, which would render him ineligible for appointment to a ministerial office under the law. However, committee members said Mr Tana denied the allegations and explained that he is a Ugandan citizen by birth.

”The issue of dual citizenship was raised when Sanjay Tana appeared before us, but he clarified that he does not hold dual citizenship as had been claimed,” Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol said after the session. She noted that most of the nominees appearing before the committee were already serving ministers, making the vetting process relatively straightforward.

”Sanjay was born in Uganda and has lived and served here. Most of the ministers who appeared before the committee have already been serving, so there were no major difficulties,” Ms Aol, who is also a former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, added.

The Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Markson Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Tuesday June 02, 2026 commenced the vetting exercise as Parliament scrutinises President Museveni’s new Cabinet selections ahead of their formal assumption of office. Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Mr Chris Obore, said the committee’s recommendations on each nominee will be forwarded to President Museveni for consideration.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, also raised concerns about the appointment of individuals who may hold dual citizenship, urging the government to address the matter. ”There has been concern about people who hold dual citizenship, and we are hoping that, just as the issue regarding Hon Kasule Lumumba’s appointment was rectified, this matter will also be addressed,” Mr Ssenyonyi said.

(NMG) The Opposition leader was referring to the earlier controversy surrounding the appointment of former NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba as Government Chief Whip despite not being an elected Member of Parliament, a matter that was later corrected. Mr President appointed Ms Lumumba the ICT minister and Dr Jane Ruth the Government Chief Whip.

Nominees unveil agenda after vetting As the vetting exercise continued, several ministers-designate outlined their priorities for the new term, promising reforms aimed at improving service delivery and accelerating economic growth. Third Deputy Prime Minister and minister without Portfolio Rukia Nakadama said she intends to push for stricter monitoring of ministerial attendance in Parliament.

”We want to introduce a roster system indicating which ministers are expected to appear in Parliament. If a minister misses three appearances, we shall report them to the appointing authority,” she said.

Her remarks were echoed by Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Walter Kiyonga, who pledged to mobilise ministers to regularly attend to parliamentary business. ”We have been elected to articulate the concerns of our people and ensure resources are equitably shared.

That responsibility requires ministers to be present,” Dr Kiyonga said. Agriculture minister-designate Frank Tumwebaze, who retained his portfolio, promised continued support for farmers through increased access to affordable financing.

”We shall continue working with the Ministry of Finance and Uganda Development Bank to expand low-interest financing for all categories of farmers, from small-scale to large-scale producers,” he said. Finance Minister-designate Henry Musasizi said government spending would increasingly focus on sectors that generate economic growth.

”We must achieve allocative efficiency and direct resources to sectors that drive economic transformation. We shall move funding from less critical activities to those that contribute more directly to growth,” Mr Musasizi said.

He said his ministry would prioritise implementation of the government’s tenfold economic growth strategy. Minister-designate for Science, Technology and Innovation Jonard Asiimwe emphasised the importance of innovation across all sectors of the economy.

”Innovation is required in every aspect of life, whether in health, agriculture, information technology, or education. It is central to Uganda’s transformation agenda,” he said.

Works and Transport Minister-designate Fred Byamukama identified the expansion of Uganda Airlines and the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway as some of his key priorities. Meanwhile, Local Government Minister-designate Balaam Barugahara vowed to crack down on corruption and poor performance among public servants, while Public Service Minister-designate Gen Edward Katumba Wamala pledged to strengthen efficiency in government institutions.

”Public service is like the gears that run a machine. When the gears function properly, the machine performs well.

When they do not, productivity suffers,” Gen Katumba said. The vetting exercise continues today as Parliament considers the remaining nominees before they are formally sworn into office.

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Dar es Salaam. A total of 22 swimming clubs and about 410 swimmers from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia are expected to compete in the 10th Tanzania National Junior Championship 2026, scheduled for June 6 and 7 at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.

The two-day championship, organised by the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) in collaboration with Africa Aquatics and World Aquatics, is regarded as one of the country’s premier youth swimming competitions and a key platform for identifying future national team athletes. The event will feature swimmers from across Tanzania alongside competitors from Kenya and Zambia, adding an international dimension to the championship.

Among the foreign clubs expected to participate are Aquatics Riders Swim Club , Kalene Swim Club, Lechwe swimming Club, Ndola Rapids Swim Club and Orcas Swim Club, all are from Zambia. Also in the list is Bandari Swim Club from Kenya.

TSA Secretary General Inviolata Itatiro said preparations for the championship have been completed and all stakeholders are looking forward to a highly competitive event. “We are delighted by the response from clubs and swimmers.

aving 22 clubs and around 410 swimmers participating is a clear indication that swimming continues to grow in Tanzania and across the region,” said Itatiro. Tanzania clubs are qua Riders Swim Club, Bluefins Swim Club, Braeburn Sharks, Champion Rise Swim Club, Dar Swim Club, FK Blue Marlins, Lake Victoria Sports Club, Malaika Aqua Eagles, Milestones Swimming Club, Monti Aqua Force, Mwanza Swim Club, North Coast Swimming Club, Pigec Swimming Club, Premier Swim Club, Riptide Swim Club, Taliss-IST and Wahoo Swim Club-ISZ.

According to Inviolata, the championship has continued to grow in stature, attracting increasing numbers of swimmers while providing a pathway for athletes aspiring to compete at regional and international levels. ” This championship is an important platform for talent identification and development.

It gives young swimmers an opportunity to compete at a high level while preparing them for future regional and international competitions,” she said. Participants will compete in various age groups and swimming disciplines, with medals and honours at stake in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

The tournament has received support from Clyde and Co Genesis Sports Ltd, Pepsi, RM, IST, Kilombero Sugar, Jusfit sports Gear and G1 Security. Inviolata expressed confidence that the participation of foreign swimmers would help raise the standard of competition and provide valuable exposure for local athletes.

“We expect exciting races and strong performances throughout the two days. Most importantly, we want the championship to inspire more young people to take up swimming and pursue excellence in the sport,” said Inviolata.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is intensifying efforts to unlock growth capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid fresh warnings that up to seven in every 10 young businesses fail within their first three years, underscoring the urgency of bridging the country’s persistent “missing middle” financing gap.

The concern formed the centre of discussions at the second Tanzania Impact Investment Forum (TIIF) 2026, which opened in Dar es Salaam yesterday, bringing together more than 300 investors, policymakers, development finance institutions and entrepreneurs to explore ways of strengthening access to growth capital for SMEs. The three-day forum, hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania, is themed “Unlocking Growth Capital: Investing in High-Impact SMEs and Transformational Projects.

” New data presented alongside the forum, drawn from the Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Limited (TICGL), shows that between 60 and 70 percent of newly established businesses in Tanzania collapse within three years, largely due to financing constraints, weak business systems and an unfavourable operating environment. Speaking at the opening of the forum, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Nicole Providoli, said the most persistent constraint facing the sector is not the absence of ideas or early-stage funding, but the inability of growing enterprises to access scale-up capital.

“These are businesses expanding access to essential services, strengthening livelihoods, and opening new economic opportunities. They are contributing to more inclusive and resilient communities, while also helping to build Tanzania’s next decade of growth,” she said.

“These businesses deserve capital. They are ready for it.

And the question is: what would it take to get that capital to them?” she added. She said while investor appetite for Tanzania is growing–particularly in agriculture, climate-smart solutions, manufacturing and digital services many SMEs fail to meet institutional investment thresholds due to limited track records, weak financial systems and perceived risk.

Ambassador Providoli added that TIIF is designed to directly address this mismatch by linking investment-ready SMEs with capital providers through structured deal rooms and investor matchmaking sessions. This year, more than 30 SMEs underwent pre-forum investment readiness training in partnership with Venture Capital for Africa (VC4A), with 15 selected to pitch directly to investors.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania Managing Director Manzi Rwegasira said impact investment requires coordinated effort across all stakeholders, including government, financiers and the private sector. “For the Government, the key is not necessarily providing funds, but creating an enabling environment that allows all actors to participate effectively in investment,” he said.

British High Commissioner to Tanzania Marianne Young also stressed the demographic opportunity, noting that Tanzania’s large youth population presents both a challenge and an economic opportunity. “The question is how Tanzania can harness this demographic dividend to build a sustainable economy.

The UK will continue to support efforts in this direction,” she said. However, economists warn that structural constraints in Tanzania’s business environment continue to undermine SME survival rates.

University of Dar es Salaam economist Prof Abel Kinyondo said high borrowing costs and regulatory pressures remain key barriers to growth. “Interest rates in Tanzania are still high compared to other markets, and this affects business expansion,” he said.

He also pointed to taxation and regulatory costs as additional constraints, arguing that policy reforms are needed to improve competitiveness. “Many SMEs are not failing because there is no demand, but because operating costs are too high and the environment is not sufficiently enabling,” he said.

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Nairobi. A Kenyan High Court has extended by three weeks an order blocking the construction and operation of a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility, while directing the government to disclose full details of its agreement with Washington.

The 50-bed isolation unit, planned at a military air base in Nanyuki in central Kenya, was intended to receive American citizens exposed to Ebola in outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The proposal has sparked widespread public concern, with critics accusing the United States of attempting to shift health risks to Kenya.

On Tuesday, Judge Patricia Nyaundi ruled that no construction or operational activity should proceed at the site until the case is fully determined. She also ordered the government to publish all agreements, health protocols and operational arrangements related to the facility within seven days, with the matter set for hearing on June 23. The ruling follows earlier interim orders issued after a legal challenge by civil society organisations, including concerns over transparency and public health preparedness.

Despite the court restrictions, reports from diplomatic sources indicate that US military aircraft have continued to transport personnel and equipment to the site in recent days. Public opposition to the project has been mounting.

Hundreds of residents in Nanyuki staged protests earlier this week, with organisers alleging that two people were shot dead during clashes with police. Authorities, however, said they were not aware of any confirmed fatalities.

The facility has become a flashpoint for debate over Kenya’s health security and sovereignty, with critics warning of potential risks and lack of public consultation. President William Ruto has defended the arrangement, saying it forms part of Kenya’s long-standing health cooperation with the United States and broader efforts to strengthen preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

He maintained that the facility would serve both Kenyan and foreign nationals in the event of an emergency. The United States has not issued a detailed public response to the latest court ruling.

The case continues to attract national attention, highlighting tensions between international health partnerships, domestic legal oversight and public concerns over safety and transparency. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court in the Kigoma Sub-Registry has ordered that members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into post-election violence investigations be served through a public notice to be published in Mwananchi newspaper.

The directive was issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, by Justice Agustine Rwizile, who is presiding over a case challenging the legality of the commission. The order followed the failure of the commissioners, or their representatives, to appear in court when the matter was called.

The commission, commonly known as the Judge Lila Commission, is chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Shaban Lila. It was established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with members announced on May 18, 2026. Other members include retired High Court judges Gad John Mjemmas, Awadh Mohamed Bawazir and Aishieli Nelson Sumari.

President Hassan established the commission following the report of an earlier Presidential Commission of Inquiry into post-election violence, chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman. Days after the new commission was announced, activists Buberwa Kaiza and Joseph Mabugo, through lawyers Mpale Mpoki and Hekima Mwasipu, filed a case challenging its legality.

They named the Attorney General, Justice Lila, and the three commissioners, Mr Mjemmas, Mr Bawazir and Ms Sumari, as respondents. The applicants are seeking leave to institute judicial review proceedings to nullify the President’s decision to establish the commission and appoint its members, and to restrain it from continuing its work.

On May 27, 2026, the court sat in the absence of all parties and directed respondents to file counter-affidavits within one day, while fixing the matter for hearing and ordering service of summons. However, only the Attorney General appeared in court, represented by Senior State Attorney Stanley Kalokola, who confirmed receipt of the documents and said a response had been filed on behalf of the first respondent, but he did not represent the remaining commissioners.

Applicants’ counsel Mpoki told the court that all respondents had been duly served, including service at the Attorney General’s Office. Mr Kalokola maintained that while the Attorney General had filed a counter-affidavit, he had no instructions to represent the other respondents.

In light of this, Mr Mpoki applied for substituted service through a newspaper of wide circulation, proposing Mwananchi. Justice Rwizile granted the application and ordered publication of the summons in Mwananchi by June 4, 2026, ahead of the next hearing scheduled for June 8, 2026. The case, filed under certificate of urgency, argues that unless heard promptly, the commission may continue its work despite allegedly lacking constitutional and legal authority.

Court documents show that following post-election violence, police arrested several suspects and instituted multiple criminal cases. While those cases were ongoing, President Hassan ordered the release of some suspects on the basis of available evidence.

She later established a commission to investigate alleged breaches of peace, known as the Chande Commission, which submitted its report on April 23, 2026. The report indicated that 518 people had been killed, with others injured, warning that the figure could be higher. After receiving the report, the President formed another commission to investigate criminal conduct arising from the same events.

The applicants argue that the move lacks legal basis, particularly as suspects had already been released without judicial determination, and that it amounts to discrimination contrary to Article 13(1) of the Constitution. They further argue that under the Commission of Inquiry Act (Cap.

32 R.E 2023), the President has no authority to establish another commission after the Chande Commission concluded its work.

They contend that under Section 21(1)(a) and (b), any further action should have been directed to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to instruct police to conduct additional investigations. They also argue that where sufficient evidence exists, those implicated should be prosecuted.

In addition, they maintain that the President has no authority to establish a commission to investigate criminal matters, as that mandate rests exclusively with the DPP. They cite the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act (Cap.

430 R.E 2023), arguing it vests sole authority in the DPP to oversee criminal investigations, except those under military jurisdiction.

They further submit that the DPP is constitutionally mandated to direct and supervise criminal investigations, except those tried by military courts. .