Met Gala 2026 to celebrate fashion as art

The Met Gala has officially revealed its dress code for 2026, announcing ‘Fashion Is Art’ as the guiding concept for this year’s highly anticipated event. The dress code follows the earlier announcement that the gala’s overall theme will be Costume Art.

Hosted annually by Anna Wintour, the Met Gala serves as the main fundraising event for the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each year, the gala’s theme and dress code set the tone for bold fashion statements on the museum’s iconic steps.

According to the creative mastermind behind the Met Gala’s themes and exhibitions Andrew Bolton, the inspiration behind the theme lies in fashion’s ability to connect different artistic disciplines. Bolton explained in a statement to Vogue that fashion acts as a unifying element across the museum’s galleries.

“What connects every curatorial department and every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body,” he said, describing fashion as a shared thread that inspired the exhibition and the gala’s creative direction. With the dress code now confirmed, guests attending the 2026 Met Gala are encouraged to view the human body as a “blank canvas,” exploring how designers use clothing as a form of artistic expression.

The concept invites imaginative interpretations, blurring the line between fashion, sculpture and performance art. The announcement comes two months after the gala revealed its co-chairs for the year.

Notably, Beyonce will return to the Costume Institute Benefit for the first time in a decade, joining Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams as co-chairs of the event. In addition to the co-chairs, the 2026 Met Gala host committee will feature a diverse group of cultural and fashion-forward figures, including Zoa Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Misty Copeland and Lena Dunham, among others.

While Anna Wintour will continue to lead the event, the 2026 gala will also mark a notable moment for Vogue, as her successor, Chloe Malle, joins the host committee and officially steps onto the Met Gala stage for hosting duties. As anticipation builds, the 2026 Met Gala is shaping up to be a celebration where fashion, art and individuality converge once again turning the red carpet into a global canvas.

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Taha pitches landmark horticulture expo as gateway to African markets

Dodoma. Tanzania’s horticultural body has unveiled what it describes as the most ambitious exhibition ever staged in the country’s fast-growing fresh produce industry, in a move aimed at positioning the nation as a continental agribusiness hub.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha), Ms Jacqueline Mkindi, on Thursday presented plans for HortiLogistica Africa 2026 to senior Cabinet ministers responsible for agriculture and investment, Mr Daniel Chongolo and Prof Kitila Mkumbo, respectively. Permanent secretaries and other senior ministry officials also attended the meeting.

Ms Mkindi said the international exhibition is scheduled to be held in Tanzania for the first time in November 2026, with northern Tanzania earmarked as the host region due to its established commercial farming clusters and export-oriented infrastructure. Strategic focus on horticulture During her presentation, Ms Mkindi described the proposed event as a potential turning point for both Tanzania and the wider African horticulture industry.

“Beyond many other benefits, the exhibition will unlock investment opportunities, expand domestic and international market access, attract tourists and strengthen publicprivate collaboration,” she said. Horticulture, encompassing fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices, has emerged as one of Tanzania’s most dynamic agricultural sub-sectors, contributing to employment creation and foreign exchange earnings as the country seeks to diversify its economy.

According to Taha, HortiLogistica Africa 2026 is intended to serve as a strategic platform linking growers, exporters, technology providers, logistics firms and financiers to strengthen value chains, enhance productivity and connect African producers more directly to global markets. Government signals support Mr Chongolo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to boost production, promote value addition and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian agricultural products in international markets.

For his part, Prof Mkumbo said the proposed expo aligns with Tanzania’s broader development vision of attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and increasing agriculture’s contribution to national economic growth. Analysts note that hosting a high-profile continental trade event could raise Tanzania’s profile among global buyers at a time when supply chain resilience and food security remain pressing global concerns.

Beyond a trade fair TAHA is positioning HortiLogistica Africa 2026 as more than a conventional trade exhibition. Ms Mkindi said it is envisaged as a long-term platform to integrate technology, markets and capital in ways that promote sustainable growth within the horticulture sector.

If realised, the event would mark a significant milestone for Tanzania’s agribusiness ecosystem and test the country’s capacity to translate policy ambitions into tangible export growth. With two years remaining before the proposed launch, stakeholders say sustained coordination between government and industry will be critical to ensuring the initiative delivers on its objectives.

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Report reveals gaps in digital transformation

Dar es Salaam. A newly released State of Internet Governance 2025 Report has revealed a widening gap between Tanzania’s digital ambitions and the realities of internet governance, warning that restrictions on online freedoms could slow the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Launched yesterday the report paints what experts described as a “digital paradox”, rapid expansion of infrastructure and services alongside growing restrictions on digital freedoms. The study assessed Tanzania’s digital governance landscape during the 2025 General Election year and found both significant progress and serious structural weaknesses.

Speaking during the launch, Tech and Media Convergency (TMC) policy Tech Lead, Robert Majige, said Tanzania had made notable strides in expanding its digital ecosystem. “Tanzania demonstrated regional and international digital ambition,” he said, citing three international ICT awards won at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva and the country’s first-ever National ICT Awards launch.

He added that telecommunications towers increased to 10,029, mobile subscriptions reached 106.9 million, internet usage rose to 808 petabytes, and 5G coverage expanded to 30.1 percent of the population. “These indicators show the country is moving forward technologically,” he said.

The report also notes that Zanzibar accelerated reforms through fibre expansion, ICT centres and data centre development, reinforcing Tanzania’s broader digital ambitions. However, the findings suggest that the digital transformation agenda faces serious setbacks, particularly in relation to internet access and online freedoms.

According to the report, 173 digital governance incidents were documented in 2025, of which 52 percent were classified as regressive, 28.3 percent progressive and 19.7 percent neutral. These regressive incidents included arrests of social media users, online intimidation, network disruptions and restrictions on digital platforms, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

Mr Majige noted that internet restrictions were among the most concerning developments. “The report shows that in 2025 there were situations where the internet was restricted, including the shutdown of X and internet disruptions during the general election,” he said.

“These incidents have had economic, social and political consequences.” The economic impact was substantial.

The report estimates that internet disruptions and platform restrictions cost the Tanzanian economy more than $250 million (about Sh590 billion), including losses from the suspension of X and the election-period internet blackout. The shutdown also disrupted mobile money services and remittances, which form the backbone of Tanzania’s informal economy.

Chief Executive Officer of TMC, Ms Asha Abinallah, said the report was prepared by 26 civil society organisations under the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group to monitor digital governance trends. “Our aim is to show the real situation.

We started the first report in 2024 (launched in 2025) when we recorded 49 incidents, but in the election year of 2025 we recorded 173 incidents,” she said. “This report highlights areas where Tanzania is doing well and areas where improvements are needed.

” The study also identified growing concerns over online gender-based violence. Data showed 3,644 negative online mentions targeting a leading female political figure, reaching an estimated 59.4 million users and generating nearly one million interactions.

Executive Director of Tamwa, Ms Rose Reuben, said the economic implications of internet shutdowns were particularly worrying. “When we say many Tanzanians depend on the internet to earn a living, including sending and receiving money, the shutdown of networks makes us ask what can be done to avoid such economic losses,” she said.

The report concludes that sustainable digital transformation requires more than infrastructure expansion. It recommends regulatory reforms that balance security with digital rights, stronger protection of online expression, judicial oversight of network restrictions and a commitment to avoid internet shutdowns.

Experts warn that unless these reforms are implemented, Tanzania risks undermining its ambition to build an inclusive digital economy under the National Development Vision 2050. .

Leading constant change without burning out

In Tanzania today, change is not seasonal–it is constant. Digital platforms are reshaping banking.

Mobile money continues to evolve. Young entrepreneurs are launching ventures from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza.

Regional trade through the East African Community is expanding. Artificial intelligence is entering boardroom conversations.

For leaders, the pressure is relentless. New systems.

New competitors. New regulations.

New expectations. Change is inevitable.

Fatigue is not. The difference lies in how leaders guide, prioritise, and inspire their teams.

In the Corporate Sufi philosophy, we are reminded to play the long game–anchored in purpose and values. When purpose is clear, the journey itself becomes meaningful.

Change stops feeling like chaos and starts feeling like growth. Here are five practical strategies to lead change with focus and sustained energy.

1. Re-Anchor in Purpose–Your True North When change feels overwhelming, purpose stabilises the organisation.

Teams in Tanzania are not motivated by spreadsheets alone. They are motivated by impact–serving communities, empowering SMEs, creating jobs, and strengthening families.

As a leader, make the “why” visible. Repeat the purpose consistently in meetings and updates.

Share stories of purpose in action–a customer helped, a farmer supported, a student empowered. Recognise behaviours aligned with values, not just quarterly targets.

Purpose transforms disruption into meaning. It shifts the narrative from “another initiative” to “a mission we are advancing together.

” When people see significance in their work, fatigue decreases. 2.

Focus on the Critical Few In many organisations, everything is labelled urgent. But when everything is urgent, nothing is strategic.

The most disciplined leaders limit priorities. Choose no more than three core goals for the quarter.

For example: Improve customer retention. Reduce operational delays.

Strengthen digital adoption. Then ensure every new initiative clearly connects to one of these priorities.

If it does not, question it. Use simple, direct language.

Avoid management jargon. Clarity reduces stress.

In Tanzania’s fast-moving economy, focus is a competitive advantage. Companies that concentrate their energy outperform those that scatter it.

3. Communicate with Calm and Consistency During uncertainty, silence creates anxiety.

Mixed messages create distrust. Your tone as a leader sets the emotional climate.

Communicate regularly–even if there is no dramatic update. Town halls, short internal videos, weekly team check-ins–consistency builds psychological safety.

When challenges arise, acknowledge them honestly. If currency pressures affect margins or supply chains slow operations, say so clearly.

People respect transparency more than spin. Calm, steady communication reassures teams that someone is at the helm.

In a culture that values community and dialogue, visible leadership matters deeply. 4.

Balance Push with Pause Fatigue does not come only from workload. It comes from sustained pressure without recovery.

High-performing teams require rhythm–intensity followed by reflection. Consider practical actions: Introduce occasional no-meeting afternoons.

Encourage managers to check on wellbeing, not just performance. Celebrate small wins publicly.

Create moments of gratitude or reflection at team gatherings. In many Tanzanian workplaces, long hours are worn as a badge of honour.

But endurance without renewal reduces creativity and judgment. Model balance yourself.

Leave on time occasionally. Take breaks.

Show that rest is not weakness–it is wisdom. Sustainable performance always outlasts heroic burnout.

5. Prove the Value of Change One major source of fatigue is “change without visible results.

” If teams cannot see progress, they disengage. Track meaningful indicators: Customer satisfaction.

Turnaround time. Cost efficiency.

Revenue growth. Employee engagement.

Then share the wins–large or small. If a digital upgrade reduces customer wait time by 20%, highlight it.

If a new workflow saves teams three hours a week, celebrate it. Equally important: ask employees where fatigue is building.

Short pulse surveys or listening sessions can uncover unnecessary complexity. Progress fuels momentum.

Even imperfect progress restores belief. The Deeper Issue: Meaning Often, fatigue is not about workload.

It is about meaninglessness. When change feels random, imposed, or disconnected from purpose, people disengage.

But when leaders cut the noise, amplify what truly matters, and connect work to service and contribution, energy returns. As Eckhart Tolle observed, stress often arises from being “here” while wanting to be “there.

” Wise leadership brings teams into the present moment–focused on the next right action. Tanzania is a nation of resilience, entrepreneurship, and faith.

We have navigated economic transitions, technological shifts, and social change before. We will continue to do so.

As leaders, our role is not merely to manage change–but to humanise it. Play the long game.

Anchor in purpose. Prioritise the critical few.

Communicate calmly. Create space for renewal.

Demonstrate progress. And as we pursue growth and innovation, let us also pause to pray for peace–in our workplaces, our communities, and our region.

We come from one source and return to one source. There is enough for all when we lead with integrity and compassion.

Change will not slow down. But with clarity of purpose and steadiness of heart, neither will we.

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Russia pledges deeper military cooperation with Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Tanzania, including military training, technology transfer and support for the modernisation of the national army.

Speaking at a reception to mark Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Andrey Avetisyan, said the long-standing national holiday symbolises pride in the country’s armed forces and honours generations who have defended national sovereignty and security. He said 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, reflecting what he described as the country’s historic cohesion across ethnic and religious lines, particularly during times of conflict.

According to the ambassador, Russia’s armed forces continue to uphold traditions of service and sacrifice, drawing strength from unity and a shared sense of responsibility for safeguarding national interests. Quoting President Vladimir Putin, he said Russia pays its “deepest respect” to those who serve the Fatherland and honours those who have fallen in defence of the nation.

Expanding defence ties Mr Avetisyan emphasised the decades-long relationship between Russia and Tanzania, recalling Moscow’s historical support during Tanzania’s struggle against colonial rule. He said Russia stands ready to provide modern weapons systems, military technologies and specialised training to support the strengthening and modernisation of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).

He said that about 300 Tanzanian students are currently enrolled in Russian military academies and are expected to return home as highly trained specialists to enhance the country’s defence capabilities. Military and technical cooperation, he noted, complements broader collaboration between the two countries in political, trade and economic spheres.

He also welcomed Tanzania’s open economic diplomacy under its national leadership and expressed optimism about further deepening bilateral relations. New defence attache introduced During the event, the ambassador introduced the newly appointed defence attache, Col Sekirko, who will support the implementation of military cooperation initiatives between the two nations.

The envoy expressed confidence in the continued partnership between what he described as “brotherly nations”, underscoring shared interests in security cooperation and strategic collaboration. .

Tanzania invites the private sector to invest in water services provision

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The government has, for the first time, opened the door for the private sector to provide water services, directly competing with regional water authorities in a bold push to improve efficiency, expand access and raise service standards nationwide.

The landmark policy shift marks a significant reform in Tanzania’s water sector, traditionally dominated by public institutions. The long-awaited move comes amid persistent complaints of water scarcity across the country, with private investors repeatedly urging the government to allow them to offer services to citizens.

The announcement was made on Friday, February 27, 2026, by the Minister for Water, Mr Jumaa Aweso, while officiating at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Ruwasa) and Community-Based WaterSupply Organisations (CBWSOs) in Dodoma. The high-level meeting drew more than 900 delegates from across the country.

Mr Aweso made the government’s position clear, declaring that it would not shy away from competition. “We must serve Tanzanians.

Let us not fear competition,” he said, adding: “The education sector has allowed competition. The health sector has done the same while continuing to build public hospitals.

Our role as a ministry is to ensure quality — the rest can move forward.” If effectively implemented, the reform could usher in a new era in which efficiency, accountability and innovation define the management of the country’s most precious resource.

Mr Aweso emphasised that the Ministry of Water will maintain strict oversight to ensure quality standards are upheld, even as new players enter the market. He also challenged water officials to focus on results-driven performance, warning against complacency.

The minister took a firm stance against operational failures, describing it as unacceptable for citizens to go without water simply because electricity prepaid tokens (Luku) had run out — especially when officials were aware in advance. “It is embarrassing for citizens to lack water due to preventable reasons,” he said.

Mr Aweso revealed that rural water access had reached an average of 85.2 per cent by December 2025, up from 79.9 per cent in 2024, thereby surpassing national targets. At the occasion, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Ms Mwajuma Waziri, issued a stern warning to water service staff over the mistreatment of customers and fraudulent billing practices.

“Stop bullying customers and stop inflating water bills. Citizens have a right to quality service,” she said.

She noted that complaints about arbitrary billing practices continue to surface in Parliament despite repeated warnings, and urged professionals to fully embrace digital systems to eliminate malpractice. Ms Waziri also directed technical teams to urgently address water leakages, observing that in some areas leaks remain unrepaired for up to two months, leading to massive losses of water.

The Chairperson of the Ruwasa Board, Ms Ruth Koya, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring reliable water access across the country, particularly in underserved rural areas. She said strong community relations and improved service quality remain central to achieving universal access goals.

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Police launch manhunt after four election-related incitement suspects go missing after bail

Iringa. Police in Iringa Region have dismissed claims circulating on social media that four suspects previously held by law enforcement have disappeared while in custody, stating that none went missing under police watch but are instead being sought for breaching bail conditions and, in some cases, facing murder allegations.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, February 26, 2026, at his office, Iringa Regional Police Commander, Mr Allan Bukumbi identified the suspects as Ibrahim Myovella (33), Asajile Anthony (33), Anthony Mwasika (29) and Ally Kalolo (26). Incitement allegations before 2025 polls Mr Bukumbi said the four were initially linked to allegations of incitement ahead of the October 29, 2025 General Election.

According to police, they were accused of mobilising protests and publishing inflammatory content against the Government through social media platforms, allegedly with the intention of disrupting the election. They were also said to be associated with a youth group known as “Watoto wa Mbwa”, which police claim had plans to vandalise public infrastructure, including shared government facilities and to threaten the safety of water sources in the region.

Police said that in the early stages of the investigation, Asajile Anthony, a farmer and resident of Ihemi, was arrested on October 24, 2025, for allegedly publishing inciting content through a Facebook account under the name “Mnyakyusa Mpinga Utekaji”. He was detained at Iringa Central Police Station and later granted bail on December 30, 2025, on condition that he report to police every five days.

However, police said he complied with the reporting requirement only until January 15, 2026, after which he stopped reporting, allegedly breaching his bail conditions. Assault and death allegations Regarding Ibrahim Myovella, police said he had been under investigation for alleged incitement through WhatsApp groups, including one identified as “M4C Ruaha”, which he was allegedly leading.

According to the statement, on February 10, 2026, Myovella was arrested together with Anthony Mwasika and Ally Kalolo on allegations of assaulting an Ipogoro resident, Benito Avinash. The three suspects were reportedly granted police bail on February 17, 2026, and were required to report back on February 18, 2026. Police said the suspects failed to report after learning that the alleged victim had died.

They are now being sought on murder charges, and legal action is under way against their sureties. Public urged to cooperate Mr Bukumbi said investigations into the matter are ongoing and urged members of the public to cooperate by providing information that could assist in locating the suspects.

“We call upon anyone with information that may help in arresting these suspects to report to the nearest police station,” said Mr Bukumbi. .

Man who killed aunt over witchcraft claims to be hanged, Court of Appeal rules

Arusha. The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence imposed on Sami Kisenga after he was convicted of murdering his aunt, Holo Kisenga (50), in Shinyanga Region.

The appellant had been sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court, Shinyanga Zone, on December 23, 2023, after being found guilty of murder contrary to Section 197 of the Penal Code. According to court records, the incident occurred on May 19, 2019, at Nyaligongo Village in Shinyanga Region.

The deceased sustained fatal cuts to the head and neck inflicted with a machete. A panel of three justices–Shaban Lila, Issa Maige and Latifa Mansoor–delivered the appellate judgment on February 25, 2026, dismissing the appeal in its entirety.

A copy of the ruling has since been made available on the Judiciary’s website. Evidence before the court During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses and tendered five exhibits to support its case.

Dr Richard Okwachi, who conducted the post-mortem examination, testified that the cause of death was excessive loss of blood resulting from severe injuries. Selemani Luchanganya, the deceased’s son, told the court that he witnessed the attack and identified the appellant as the assailant.

He said he was using a torch at the time and saw the appellant strike his mother on the head and neck with a machete. Another witness, Nhale Masumbuko, testified that he responded to screams at the scene but found the deceased already dead with a deep wound on her neck.

Samson Mtonja, Ward Executive Officer for Mwakitolylo, told the court that the appellant admitted to killing the deceased, alleging that she had bewitched and caused the death of his father. Defence and appeal In his defence, the appellant denied committing the offence and claimed he was at his rice farm in Masumbwe Village on the day of the incident.

He further alleged that police tortured him and forced him to sign a caution statement. The High Court, however, found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, relying on eyewitness testimony, medical evidence and the appellant’s admissions.

In his appeal, the appellant challenged the admissibility of the medical report and his extra-judicial confession, arguing that the caution statement had been recorded outside the legally prescribed time and in violation of the Chief Justice’s Guidelines. Court’s ruling In its determination, the Court of Appeal held that the extra-judicial confession had been properly admitted.

The judges noted that the relevant provisions of the Chief Justice’s Guidelines were administrative innature and did not invalidate the confession. The court further found that the caution statement was corroborated by eyewitness testimony and other evidence on record.

“The appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed. The judgment of the High Court is upheld together with the sentence imposed,” the court ruled.

With the dismissal of the appeal, the death sentence by hanging remains in force. .

Tanzania farmers earn Sh2.4 trillion as warehouse receipt system expands nationwide

Simiyu. The government has directed the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board (WRRB) and the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) to roll out a comprehensive farmer empowerment strategy spanning production, aggregation, and marketing, in a bold move to boost productivity and secure better crop prices.

The directive was issued on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga, during the official closing of the 2025/2026 Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) trading season and the launch of the 2026/2027 season in Simiyu Region. Speaking at the event, the minister emphasised that strengthening the entire agricultural value chain is key to delivering tangible benefits to farmers and to the national economy.

She called on farmers and traders to uphold integrity and fully support the WRS by improving access to inputs, quality seeds, technology, and reliable markets. The minister said the move will raise crop value, protect farmers’ interests, create employment, and accelerate economic growth.

“The WRRB should intensify public awareness campaigns targeting farmers, traders, warehouse operators and other stakeholders to expand participation in the system,” directed Ms Kapinga. She also urged owners of substandard warehouses to upgrade their facilities to meet required standards, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

Simiyu Regional Commissioner, Mr Anamringi Macha, said the annual closing and opening of the trading season has become a major catalyst for economic awareness in the region. “Residents have increasingly understood the benefits of using the Warehouse Receipt System following the decision to bring this event in the region,” he said.

WRRB Managing Director, Mr Asangye Bangu said the 2025/2026 season recorded sales of more than 1.1 million tonnes of produce, a 43 percent increase compared with the previous season.

He said farmers earned a total of Sh2.4 trillion, with cashew nuts, pigeon peas, and sesame leading in sales. “The system has expanded significantly, growing from 65 to 114 districts.

The number of depositors has surged from 224 to 788, boosting local government levy collections to Sh65 billion,” he said. “The expansion has also generated more than 11,430 formal and informal jobs, while licensed warehouses have increased to 286,” added Mr Bangu.

He said that, looking ahead to the 2026/2027 season, the organisation plans to incorporate livestock, hides and skins, and seaweed into the Warehouse Receipt System. “The Board is also encouraging private sector investment in modern mobile warehouses to further strengthen the system’s reach and efficiency,” he said.

Beneficiaries of the system in Simiyu Region, Mr Daud Mpina and Ms Mariam Litwina, praised the transparency of auction-based sales, noting that they are now able to secure competitive prices and receive timely payments. They appealed to the government to continue improving and expanding the system to ensure that more farmers benefit.

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Tea factory workers strike over unpaid wages

Njombe. More than 250 workers at Kibena Tea Limited have gone on strike, demanding payment of accumulated wages and contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The workers claim that despite deductions for NSSF contributions over the past eight years, the payments have not been remitted to the fund. Speaking to journalists yesterday outside the factory in Njombe town, the employees said they have been unable to access their rightful retirement benefits.

One worker, Isack Mhema, said the delayed payments have made life extremely difficult. “We are urging the employer to settle our claims.

We have families to support, and life has become very hard,” he said. Chairperson of the Plantation Workers’ Union, Frida Kidenya, said that last year management of DL Group assured workers that their claims would be settled through tea operations and timber sales, but the payments have yet to materialise.

“The strike began on February 5, 2026. Workers are pressing factory management to explain why their accumulated wages have not been paid. We have waited long enough and cannot go back without our rightful dues,” Kidenya said.

DL Group Human Resources Director, Daniel Kairuki, acknowledged the claims and said the company is seeking ways to resolve the wage backlog. He noted that the ongoing strike has disrupted tea processing at the factory.

“Next week, the company’s executive chairman will meet the NSSF Director-General to reach an agreement,” Kairuki said. Special Seats MP for Njombe, representing Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA), Sigrada Mligo, visited the factory to mediate between workers and management.

“After hearing both sides, it is clear that negligence occurred in paying workers on time. Management must urgently address these issues,” Mligo said.

He urged workers to remain calm while expecting resolution within a week, warning that failure to settle the claims could prompt a road closure protest. .