Category: The Citizen

Bishop Dr Stephen Munga joined the Tanzanian diaspora community in Sweden in the early 1990s, when the community was still modest. He moved his family to the Scandinavian country as he pursued his PhD in theology.

From the beginning, it was evident that this leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Northeastern Diocese, was never a man afraid to speak truth to power. His thesis, which was published by Lund University in 1998, titled ‘Beyond the Controversy: A Study of African Theologies of Inculturation and Liberation’, revealed a man of faith who is also in tune with the suffering of ordinary Tanzanians.

He tried to understand his culture as an African and its inculturation. His thesis would define his life mission for decades to come.

Liberation theology: how to use his faith and influence to speak for marginalised. The Swedish Evangelical Mission played a big role in enabling him to pursue further studies in their country in 1991. He relocated to Sweden with his wife and two kids he had at the time; he would later be blessed with two more babies who were born there and currently reside there.

His time was strictly dedicated to studies and family. Dr Munga and his wife had their hands full; they were both studying at Lund University while raising their children.

Speaking of their time in Sweden, Rev. Dr Anneth Munga, the bishop’s wife, said their ties to the country date back to the time when she was just a young child; the Swedish missionary in her village helped raise her after her mother’s demise.

Coincidentally, the same missionary Swedish lady she affectionately calls ‘Mama Ulla’, who took care of her as a child in the village, helped babysit their kids when the Munga family moved to Lund during their rigorous studies. Learning the medium of communication a society uses helps ease the integration.

Luckily, Rev. Dr Munga was fluent in Swedish; she had learnt it for years, and the Bishop enrolled in a Swedish class the first year they got to the country.

They were surrounded by gracious neighbours, whose doors were always open to them. They felt the love and admiration from the community they lived in.

“They have unity and cooperation within their community. Sweden is one of the countries with strong traditions of socialism,” said Mrs Munga.

Their church community became part of their family; it went beyond prayer sessions. Their kids would play together and get invited to birthdays, and soon they felt part of the Lund community they lived in.

They met a few Tanzanians who were also studying at the university; most of the fellow countrymen they met stayed temporarily, but they got to know each other well. The weekends were moments to stay home with their kids and catch up on the busy week they had.

The days were spent between visiting friends and visiting churches as guest preachers. “We were invited to preach by the Church of Sweden and Swedish Evangelical Mission whenever they gathered,” Mrs Munga elaborated.

They used these opportunities not only to preach but also to attest to the community projects and social services that the church has been able to implement back at home in Tanzania. That was the core of what the Bishop was passionate about.

Seeing that the Church has noticeable participation in uplifting its people not only with words but with tangible deeds. On 5th August 2001, Dr Stephen Munga was ordained as a bishop and returned to Tanzania.

Back home, he continued serving the church as a leader, simultaneously standing as the voice of integrity and empathy. His message emphasised social justice, dignity, health, and lifting people out of poverty.

He insisted that speaking up for the downtrodden is synonymous with the gospel he preaches. His boldness didn’t always sit well with the political elite.

Nevertheless, he humbly but firmly spoke his mind even when it was unsuitable to do so. Dr Mrs Munga remembers when government primary and secondary schools were instructed to ban girls who got pregnant while in school from continuing with their studies.

He vehemently protested it. She verbalised what he said: “When you deny a girl education, you subject her and her future children to a lifetime of poverty and ignorance.

” As the countrywide debates on the matter were raging on, it was even hotly debated in the parliament. Bishop Munga used his pulpit as a platform to speak for these voiceless young girls.

His wife is glad the Bishop got to see the ban lifted before he was called home. He understood the dynamics of the work he was doing; he actively engaged with national leaders, and when the situation necessitated, he communicated with international leaders.

He spoke at the European Union parliament committee, lobbying for Tanzanians to have more benefits from foreign investment in our extractive industry. He felt it was his moral responsibility.

Norwegian Church Aid-Tanzania Country Director, Berte Marie Ulveseter, with whom Bishop Munga worked closely, eulogised him as more than a religious leader. But a champion of human rights, a tireless advocate for economic justice, and a committed bridge-builder across faiths.

“As a close friend and long-standing partner of NCA, he played a key role in shaping our shared vision for a just and inclusive society. Throughout his leadership as Chair of the Interfaith Standing Committee,” she mentioned.

“On Economic Justice and Integrity of Creation (ISCEJIC), Bishop Munga led impactful campaigns, including the ‘Make It Possible’ campaign in 2018, calling for tax commitments as a pathway to universal health insurance in Tanzania,” she added. “Whether advocating for ethical mining, civic space, or access to healthcare, he remained consistent, courageous, and compassionate,” she said.

Advocate Gloria Mafole from the Interfaith Standing Committee had worked with the late Bishop for the last 18 years. They worked on a challenging mission to ensure that ordinary Tanzanians reaping the benefits of the mining industry had received abundant foreign investment, but the communities surrounding the mines had little to show in terms of infrastructure improvement that came with the investments.

Bishop Munga was part of the Tanzanian religious leaders who were tasked to engage the investors. “The people who were displaced and had their land seized refused to negotiate with anyone; that’s when we brought Islamic and Christian leaders to mediate,” she said.

Religious leaders are revered and respected, Gloria noted, and their influence and ability to speak to government leaders, the people, and investors alike were the strength that the InterFaith Standing Committee harnessed to be able to broker better living standards for communities living close to these extractive industries. “Bishop, as a human being, believed in equality; he was never scared of standing up for individuals’ rights and freedom.

“He was a man of peace and reconciliation, too,” she said. Bishop never accepted Tanzania having big mineral investments while its communities were in poverty with no land to farm.

“He told me to never sell my soul for whatever amount of money is offered to me,” she added. Something that he practised.

During his time in Europe, he built a network of friends who became vital when he needed financial backup in major initiatives he was implementing in Lushoto. A district-designated hospital in Kilindi that eased the transportation burden of pregnant women and nursing mothers and reduced maternal deaths was a direct result of Bishop Munga’s engagement with the Finnish Government through their embassy in Dar es Salaam and the Finnish Evangelical mission.

The then President Jakaya Kikwete was the guest of honour presiding over the opening ceremony. This, with the establishment of Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University, was among many initiatives that, together with his diocese, he was able to accomplish during his tenure.

Part of his family still resides in Sweden, along with his grandkids, whom he was so fond of. His social media followers got to see his personal life as a father and a grandfather.

He was not shy to tell his children living in Sweden how much he loves them. He posted about his daily life mingling with ordinary Tanzanians just as much as he posted about the infringement of people’s rights in Tanzania whenever an incident occurred.

He was never known for sugar-coating anything. He never belonged to any political party.

He stood as a man of faith and a servant for the people. And his organisation he founded, ‘Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation’, is the legacy he leaves behind.

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U.S.

President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him India will stop buying Russian oil, while warning that New Delhi would continue paying “massive” tariffs if it did not do so. “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Asked about India’s assertion that it was not aware of any conversation between Modi and Trump, Trump replied: “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.” Russian oil has been one of the main irritants for Trump in prolonged trade talks with India – half of his 50% tariffs on Indian goods are in retaliation for those purchases.

The U.S.

government has said petroleum revenue funds Russia’s war in Ukraine. India has become the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian oil sold at a discount after Western nations shunned purchases and imposed sanctions on Moscow for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trade talks between India and the U.S.

are going on in a “congenial” manner, an Indian government official said on Saturday, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of talks. An Indian delegation which was in the U.

S. last week for talks has returned, the official said, declining to share further details.

An email to India’s trade ministry was not immediately answered on Monday, which was a public holiday. Trump on Wednesday said Modi had assured him that day that India would stop its Russian oil purchases.

India’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of any telephone conversation between the leaders that day, but said that New Delhi’s main concern was to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer.” A White House official said on Thursday that India has halved its purchases of Russian oil, but Indian sources said no immediate reduction had been seen.

The sources said Indian refiners already placed orders for November loading, including some slated for December arrival, so any cut may start showing up in December or January import numbers. India’s imports of Russian oil are set to rise about 20 percent this month to 1.

9 million barrels per day, according to estimates from commodities data firm Kpler, as Russia ramps up exports after Ukrainian drones hit its refineries. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Dar City, have officially secured a place in the top 16 stage of the continental competition, set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, later this year.

Dar City earned their spot after a series of impressive performances in the Road to BAL tournament held at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian champions dominated the qualifiers, winning both of their matches to top their group and advance.

In their opening game, Dar City produced a commanding display to crush Djabal Basket Iconi from Comoros with a resounding 10250 victory. The home side showcased excellent teamwork and clinical finishing, thrilling local fans who turned out in large numbers to support them.

In their second encounter, Dar City continued their fine form by overcoming Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers with an 8370 win, sealing their qualification for the next stage of the continental competition. Speaking to The Citizen after the victory, the team’s head coach, Mohamed Mbwana, praised his players for their determination, teamwork, and discipline throughout the tournament.

He said the team’s success was the result of strong preparation and the club’s continued investment in local basketball talent. “We are happy to secure a place in the top 16. The players worked hard, and their performances made Tanzania proud,” said Mbwana.

“Good planning and investment by our management have been key to our progress and our dominance in local competitions.” Dar City are the reigning champions of the Basketball Dar es Salaam League (BDL), and their recent success marks another milestone in their growing influence on the regional basketball scene.

Looking ahead, Mbwana emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and preparing thoroughly for the next stage in Nairobi, where they are expected to face some of the continent’s strongest teams. “We know the challenge ahead will be tough.

Our players will have a short two-week holiday to rest and reconnect with their families before we resume training for the Nairobi tournament,” he added. The BAL, which is organized by the NBA and FIBA Africa, continues to grow as the continent’s premier basketball competition, providing a platform for African clubs to showcase their talent on an international stage.

Dar City’s qualification marks a proud moment for Tanzanian basketball and a promising step toward greater continental recognition. .

In an age where misinformation travels faster than truth, the Tanzanian media faces a defining moment: to restore public trust and reaffirm its role as society’s mirror. Once regarded as the unquestioned source of verified information, the media now competes with an endless stream of user-generated content, influencers and digital noise.

Yet amid this clutter, one factor has emerged as the most valuable currency in journalism credibility. Public trust is the foundation on which the legitimacy of media institutions is built.

Without it, even the most resourced newsroom struggles to influence national conversation. Tanzanians increasingly question what they read, watch and share.

The proliferation of social media has blurred the lines between fact and opinion, while the rise of paid content, political polarisation and declining newsroom budgets have further complicated perceptions of truth. In this climate, the audience has become more sceptical and rightly so.

The erosion of trust did not happen overnight. It stems from multiple pressures.

The rush to break news first has sometimes compromised accuracy. In the race to post before competitors, some outlets publish unverified claims, only to retract them later.

The growing trend of sponsored content, often poorly labelled, blurs the line between journalism and advertising. And when media outlets appear to favour certain interests or voices, the perception of bias becomes inevitable.

Economic realities have also played a part. Shrinking advertising revenues have forced many newsrooms to reduce investigative reporting, which requires time and resources.

Instead, there is a growing reliance on short, clickable stories that attract engagement but offer little depth. The result is an ecosystem where news sometimes mirrors the audience’s fatigue rather than providing leadership in public discourse.

Rebuilding credibility requires courage, consistency and transparency. Media houses must be open about their processes, correct mistakes promptly and clearly distinguish between editorial and paid content.

Audiences are more likely to trust outlets that acknowledge their fallibility and show commitment to learning from errors. Fact-checking partnerships and verification desks should become standard practice, especially during elections, public health crises and national debates where misinformation thrives.

Editorial independence must also be actively protected. Ownership structures and funding sources should be transparent and journalists must be empowered to pursue stories without fear or favour.

Once the public senses that a newsroom is compromised, the damage to trust is hard to repair. Rebuilding that credibility requires not only editorial integrity but also leadership that prioritises ethics over convenience.

Equally important is engagement. Journalism today is not a monologue; it is a conversation.

Audiences expect to be heard, questioned and respected. When media houses open channels for feedback, respond to reader concerns and clarify complex issues, they humanise their brands and strengthen loyalty.

Trust grows when people feel their voices matter in shaping coverage. Individual journalists also have a role to play.

In the digital age, credibility is as personal as it is institutional. Journalists are now public figures whose behaviour, tone and online presence reflect on their work.

Upholding ethical consistency, verifying facts before sharing and resisting the temptation of sensationalism are essential. Continuous professional development, especially in digital verification, data analysis and investigative skills, strengthens both competence and confidence.

Restoring trust will also require collaboration. No newsroom can achieve it alone.

Institutions such as the Media Council of Tanzania and the Tanzania Editors Forum can lead collective efforts to set measurable standards of accountability. Initiatives like public trust indices, open newsroom days and audience surveys can bring transparency to how the media operates.

Technology, often seen as the disruptor, can also be an ally. Digital tools can enhance verification, enable interactive storytelling and make reporting more transparent.

Artificial intelligence can help detect misinformation and automate fact-checking, but it must be applied responsibly to avoid bias or manipulation. Importantly, Tanzanian media must define credibility within its own context.

Western trust indicators may not capture the nuances of local storytelling traditions, community-based reporting, or the use of Swahili and indigenous languages that connect deeply with audiences. As Tanzania continues to navigate rapid digital transformation, credibility will determine which media institutions endure and which fade away.

It is the invisible currency that buys loyalty, influence and respect. Rebuilding public trust is not a one-off campaign; it is a long-term commitment to accuracy, fairness and integrity in every story told.

The ultimate question for every newsroom remains: when the public looks into our mirror, do they still see themselves or merely the reflection of our own interests? The answer will define the future of Tanzanian journalism. .

Dar es Salaam. The number of Tanzanians using insurance services increased by 10.2 percent last year to 25.9 million, thanks to growing public trust and a wave of reforms across the sub sector.

Tanzania government targets to ensure at least 50 percent of the population uses insurance by 2030 and raise the contribution of the industry to the economy to reach at three percent. According to the latest annual report released by the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (Tira), 39.2 percent (25.9 million) of the total projected population of 66.3 million in Tanzania was covered by insurance services in 2024, compared to 37.7 percent (23.5 million) in 2023. The contribution of insurance to the gross domestic product also increased to 2.

08 percent in 2024, compared to 2.01 percent in 2023, stated a summary of the report launched on Friday in Dodoma.

The growth reflects about restoring public trust, introduction of accessible products, and investment that’s reshaping how Tanzanians protect what matters most, said Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Baghayo Saqware. “This positive trend is the result of strategic interventions to promote insurance literacy and make insurance more accessible to all Tanzanians,” he said during the presentation of the report.

In assessing market growth last year, one person spent Sh22,878 on insurance compared to Sh19,531 previously, he said. Dr Saqware said the jump reflects increased awareness, improved digital access, and reforms like the rollout of the Universal Health Insurance initiative, which bringing services even to previously underserved communities.

The report also indicates a 26.4 percent rise of the number of permanent jobs created by the insurance industry to 6,434 in 2024, up from 5,595 in 2023. The industry’s financial backbone is also strengthening. The Gross Written Premium (GWP) grew by 20.2 percent, reaching Sh1.52 trillion in 2024, up from Sh1.24 trillion the previous year.

“We are committed to sustaining this momentum,” said Dr Saqware. “Our goal is a market that is free from fraud and malpractice where growth is driven by trust, merit, and service with public confidence, insurance becomes a powerful tool for poverty eradication and national prosperity.

” The report indicates that insurance companies paid out Sh545.4 billion in claims last year, an 11.7 percent increase from the S88.3 billion paid out in 2023. “The payouts are vital lifelines to families and businesses during their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr Saqware. “The ability to pay claims promptly is key to public trust,” Dr Saqware added.

“What we are seeing now is an industry that is standing tall ready to support Tanzanians through every twist and turn of life.” Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of State, President’s Office Finance and Planning (Zanzibar), Dr Saada Salum Mkuya, said insurance plays a crucial role in protecting the economy at the individual, institutional and national levels.

She also directed Tira to improve claims management by ensuring genuine claims are settled promptly, while disputed ones are handled professionally to maintain trust in the insurance industry. “The government is committed to support the insurance sector and ensure financial security, economic resilience, and inclusive development for all citizens,” she said.

Commenting on the report, a financial consultant and researcher, Ms Esther Mwamafupa, said the report demonstrates growth through a more detailed and comprehensive analysis compared to previous editions. “In the past, we often saw only general overviews, but this report is more informative, helping investors identify the most promising areas for investment and the available opportunities,” she said.

The report identifies regions that require greater investment for example, the southern regions which still have a relatively low contribution despite having strong agricultural potential, such as cashew farming. .

Sumbawanga. CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has underscored the significance of Tanzania’s forthcoming National Water Grid, describing it as a game-changing initiative that will revolutionise access to clean and safe water across the country and uplift people’s livelihoods.

Addressing thousands of residents in Sumbawanga yesterday, as she wrapped up her campaign tour in Rukwa Region, President Hassan said the grid will connect major water sources such as Lake Tanganyika, ensuring stable water supply even when local sources dry up. “Rukwa today is not the same as it was years ago,” President Hassan said.

“We have implemented many development projects and plan to do even more in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure and the national water grid will complement the efforts, improve lives and guarantee water security for all.”She likened the water grid to the national electricity grid, saying both are vital for transforming Tanzania’s economy.

“Just as we did with electricity, we want every Tanzanian to have reliable access to clean water. When there is sufficient water, irrigation farming will flourish, productivity will rise, and people’s lives will improve,” she said.

President Hassan urged Rukwa residents to vote overwhelmingly for CCM candidates at all levels, saying the ruling party remains the only trusted vehicle to sustain ongoing progress. “We have seen what unity under CCM can achieve.

Let us go and vote in large numbers so we can continue implementing these projects together,” she appealed. The Head of State highlighted major achievements her administration has delivered in Rukwa, including free education, the construction of new schools and colleges, and empowerment of girls in science fields.

“We have built special schools for girls to study science and technology so that they can return and contribute to national development,” she said. “I also laid the foundation for a new teacher training college here in Sumbawanga, one of 35 across the country, and a new Institute of Technology to help young people acquire modern skills.

” In health, President Hassan said she had launched a new emergency wing at Nkasi Regional Referral Hospital, equipped with modern medical facilities. She also announced plans to further strengthen the health system nationwide.

“We will continue improving health services and complete ongoing hospital projects. Every Tanzanian deserves quality healthcare,” she affirmed.

On infrastructure, the President pointed to the ongoing construction of Sumbawanga Airport, which is now 90 percent complete, saying it will handle larger aircraft and boost regional trade. Turning to energy, she said all villages have now been connected to electricity, with focus shifting to hamlets and smaller settlements.

“By 2027, we want every part of Tanzania to have reliable power, with outages occurring only for technical reasons,” she said. In agriculture, President Hassan announced plans to build large grain storage facilities in Rukwa to preserve surplus produce resulting from the government’s subsidy programmes.

“I came here with the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Finance so that they can assess how to fast-track this plan. Because of subsidies, harvests have increased — and now we must ensure we have proper storage facilities,” she said.

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe praised President Hassan’s leadership, citing the transformation in crop production across Tanzania. “When President Samia took office, the country used only 360,000 tonnes of fertiliser, with an average of 15 kilos per farmer.

Today, fertiliser use and yields have more than doubled. Rukwa is now the second-largest food producer after Ruvuma,” he said.

He added that maize production in Rukwa alone has surged from 470,000 tonnes to 974,000 tonnes within a few years, a sign of rising food security and prosperity. Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba echoed Bashe’s sentiments, saying President Hassan’s administration has been defined by compassion and bold reforms.

“When she took office, there were many tax complaints — multiple levies, arbitrary assessments, and a poor business environment. Through her leadership, over 250 taxes and levies were scrapped, giving relief to farmers, traders, and transport operators,” he said.

Dr Nchemba added that the government also cleared Sh8 trillion in service-provider debts as well as disbursing Sh2 trillion paid to elderly citizens who had waited years for their dues. “This is a leader who listens, acts, and delivers,” he said.

“That is why Tanzanians will go out in 10 days to give her another mandate to keep making this country a better place to live.”Sumbawanga Urban parliamentary candidate Aeshi Hilary also praised President Hassan for responding to the region’s long-standing demands.

“For 10 years we asked for an airport, and she listened — allocating Sh61 billion. She also approved Sh52 billion for our water project, and when demand grew, she added another Sh2.5 billion to build a large dam,” Mr Hilary said.

He cited improved maize prices — rising from Sh500 to Sh700 per kilo and the ongoing construction of a modern agricultural market, already 80 percent complete. “This market will serve farmers from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and the DRC.

That means our farmers will sell more and earn more,” he added. As she concluded her address, President Samia reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening production sectors across the economy, from agriculture to industry and innovation.

“We are determined to make Tanzania self-reliant, productive, and prosperous. Let us build on what we have started, together,” she said.

With just 10 days remaining before Tanzanians cast their ballots, CCM’s presidential candidate has left Rukwa with a message of continuity, stability, and transformation– urging voters to choose progress over uncertainty. .

Arusha. Tanzania will soon join the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia and South Sudan, in selecting a national bird.

While the giraffe serves as the country’s national wildlife symbol, Tanzania has never officially designated a national bird. That is now set to change, thanks to an initiative led by Nature Tanzania in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

“We, as stakeholders in bird conservation, would like the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to coordinate the process, while we mobilise Tanzanians to participate in voting for the best candidate,” said Nature Tanzania Executive Director, Mr Emmanuel Mgimwa. Nature Tanzania, which works closely with BirdLife International, has been conducting annual polls to select Tanzania’s “Bird of the Year” since 2023. The organisation now plans to identify and endorse an official national bird before 2030. “Birds are facing threats of extinction.

Selecting a ‘Bird of the Year’ and ultimately a national species helps to raise public awareness about their ecological and cultural importance,” said the organisation’s marketing officer, Ms Gaudensia Mariki. Ms Mariki noted that Tanzania has over 1,200 recognised and officially gazetted bird species but has yet to identify a single bird that symbolises the nation internationally.

In contrast, Kenya, home to more than 1,000 bird species, celebrates the lilac-breasted roller as its national bird. Uganda’s grey-crowned crane is both the country’s flagship wildlife species and a prominent feature on its national emblem.

Rwanda has the African fish eagle as its national bird, while Burundi is represented by the great blue turaco. The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts the Congo peafowl, and South Sudan has also adopted the African fish eagle.

Somalia, on the other hand, recognises the superb starling as its national bird, a species that coincidentally won Tanzania’s “Bird of the Year 2025” title through a public vote. Nature Tanzania believes that selecting a national bird will not only boost national pride but also enhance bird conservation efforts and promote eco-tourism in the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Residents of Kibamba Constituency have voiced their frustrations over the persistent shortage of clean water and poor road infrastructure, urging candidates to push the agendas after the upcoming elections.

Speaking during a campaign rally for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) parliamentary candidate, Ms Angellah Kairuki, held on Sunday, residents of Msigani and Mbezi wards said they have endured years of hardship due to a lack of essential services. “For many years, we have struggled with poor roads and a shortage of water.

We are asking the government, through Ms Kairuki, to help us get proper roads and reliable water supply because we’ve been deprived of these basic services for too long,” said Zainabu Hassan of Msigani. Ms Hassan added that both opposition and ruling party leaders have made numerous promises in the past, but little has changed.

“All we are asking now is for whoever is elected to deliver on those promises,” she said, stressing the importance of reliable roads, especially during the rainy season when most areas become impassable. A resident of Mbezi Ward, Mr Joseph Mwakalinga, expressed confidence in Kairuki’s integrity and leadership track record.

“We have seen how she performed while serving in government. I believe that once she get elected, Kibamba will make significant progress,” she said.

In her campaign, Ms Kairuki acknowledged that while the government has accomplished a lot, some challenges persist. She pledged to work tirelessly to ensure an increased budget allocation for road construction and water supply once elected.

“I have visited every neighbourhood to listen to residents’ concerns. The major issues are poor roads, land disputes, lack of water, and inadequate market infrastructure.

As a parliamentary candidate, I am determined to ensure these challenges are addressed,” she said. Ms Kairuki has also promised to launch the “Kairuki Cup”, a youth football tournament aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talent across Kibamba.

Former Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Shamsa Mwangunga, commended Ms Kairuki for her dedication and described her as a hardworking and patriotic leader. “Residents of Msigani and the entire Kibamba Constituency are in safe hands under her leadership.

You will see visible development because she is a true champion of progress. I urge you to vote for her wholeheartedly,” she said.

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Washington. CRDB Bank has signed three partnership agreements worth a combined Sh300 billion with leading development finance institutions to advance inclusive and sustainable finance across Africa.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with FinDev Canada, DEG (KfW Group, Germany) and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) were signed during the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum, held on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C.

The deals were formalised by CRDB Bank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdulmajid Nsekela, together with Shelter Afrique Development Bank CEO Thierno-Habib Hann, DEG CEO Roland Siller and FinDev Canada CEO Lori Kerr. Through its partnership with FinDev Canada, CRDB Bank secured a $60 million (Sh150 billion) sustainability-linked facility to expand financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong focus on women-owned businesses and climate-resilient projects.

Under the agreement with DEG, CRDB Bank will access a $50 million (Sh125 billion) facility dedicated to SME sub-loans, supporting business growth, innovation and job creation in Tanzania. Meanwhile, the partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank targets the region’s housing deficit, beginning with a $10 million (Sh25 billion) facility for CRDB Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Nsekela said the partnerships reflected a shared vision for a financially inclusive and sustainably developed Africa. “By joining hands with institutions like FinDev Canada, DEG and Shelter Afrique, we are accelerating our vision to transform lives and develop economies to their fullest potential.

This is more than capital; it is confidence in Africa’s future,” he said. Also present at the event were global investors and senior government officials from Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC, including Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu El-Maamry Mwamba.

East Africa continues to face financing gaps for MSMEs, climate-smart agriculture and affordable housing. Mr Hann said ShafDB believed that affordable housing and urban infrastructure formed the foundation of inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Our partnership with CRDB Bank reflects our shared vision to channel capital towards impact, equity and regional integration. Together, we are not only financing homes, but also dignity, opportunity and the infrastructure of a more resilient Africa,” he said.

He said that while the collaboration begins with CRDB DRC, ShafDB plans to extend its support to CRDB operations in Tanzania and Burundi. Ms Kerr said FinDev Canada’s partnership with CRDB Bank was built on a shared commitment to creating opportunity where it is needed most.

“This MoU is an important step toward strengthening meaningful engagement, co-investment and long-term impact in critical sectors that support sustainable development and climate action,” she said. Beyond the signings, the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum provided a platform to explore regional transformation and investment opportunities in Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC.

The dialogue reinforced CRDB Bank’s role as a bridge between global finance and local impact, showcasing how MSMEs, farmers and communities are benefiting from these strategic initiatives. By leveraging its strong East African presence and the strategic reach of its Dubai Representative Office, CRDB Bank is positioning itself not only as a regional leader in inclusive finance but also as a trusted bridge to global markets–underscoring its ambition to extend impact across the continent in support of inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth.

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Nakonde. Shalom Maregere, 26, is heading home to Mash West, Zimbabwe, after a vacation in Tanzania.

As she navigates the busy Nakonde-Tunduma One-Stop Border Post into Zambia, she finds confidence in the visible health facilities and measures installed at the border post, but she will not leave without a word. “I went through the handwashing facility, and I felt confident that we are being protected from dangerous diseases such as COVID and Mpox,” she says while checking her watch in the final Nakonde passport queue before catching her bus home.

Her last word? “I suggest that the queues be improved so that we don’t get crowded, which would help to prevent diseases like Mpox and COVID in the future.” Maregere’s comment about improving queues wasn’t just a traveller’s suggestion–it was an on-the-ground observation of a key public health challenge: reducing the risk of ‘crowding and clustering,’ which is a critical factor in infectious disease spread and a central concern for the health experts.

Witnessing the need for strong health security firsthand, Maregere and other travellers who frequently cross the Tunduma/Nakonde border rely on health checks. ECSA-Health Community’s Dr.

Mohammed Mohammed, Senior Public Health and Medical Epidemiologist Specialist (right), and other experts conduct strategic risk assessment for emergency preparedness at the Tunduma One Stop Border Post (Tanzania-Zambia). Tunduma Port Health Officer Emmanuel Kalekayo briefs the team.

It turns out that while Maregere was sharing her experience at the Tunduma-Nakonde crossing–one of East and Southern Africa’s busiest–there was a parallel effort just a few meters away, happening alongside her journey. A team of Zambia-Tanzania experts was already in Nakonde, too! The experts had just finished inspecting the checkpoints, facilities, and overall capacity of the border area and were now fully focused on a two-week cross-border engagement.

Their goal? To draft a comprehensive public health contingency plan specifically for the ports of entry, essentially prioritising the safety and health of travellers, just like Shalom. One of the experts is Dr Mohammed Mohammed, a senior Medical Epidemiologist at the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC)–an intergovernmental diplomatic health organisation leading the cross-border initiative under the World Bank-funded project, dubbed the AFE Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Program-MPA Project.

Mohammed emphasised the regional importance of the border initiative, noting that the TundumaNakonde crossing is a “critical artery for East and Southern Africa.” He explained that the strategic risk assessment is crucial for effective emergency preparedness.

“It’s giving us the tools to rapidly detect and respond to threats like COVID and Mpox. This is about establishing a shared commitment to health security and protecting our travellers,” he noted, briefly after conducting the meeting with experts, ranging from environmental health officers, clinicians, port-health officers, veterinary scientists and government representatives from Tanzania and Zambia.

Through the cross-border activity, ECSA-HC is collaborating with the Governments of Zambia and Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in a shared commitment to strengthen border health systems, ensuring they can effectively detect, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies in full compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). And here’s the best part: all that intensive work is expected to pay off with some really tangible results.

Once the initiative is successfully completed, it will deliver several impactful outcomes, including a formal Risk Assessment Report and tailored Multi-Hazard Contingency Plans specifically for both Tunduma and Nakonde. They’ll also develop practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for emergency response.

Crucially, the whole exercise is designed to lead to significantly strengthened cross-border coordination and better overall compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) between Zambia and Tanzania. Ultimately, this major step is all about making the border health systems across the entire ECSA region resilient, prepared, and expertly coordinated.

Beyond Diseases Dr Remidius Kakulu, Principal Epidemiologist from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, says that previous planning primarily focused on disease-related hazards. “The plan we have developed is going beyond that, to focus on non-disease hazards such as chemical hazards, motor traffic crashes, vehicles carrying explosives, floods and fire outbreaks.

” This collaborative, in-country development process fosters strong ownership. “These efforts will eventually pay off,” Dr Kakulu noted, “because now we have a plan that was developed locally and collaboratively, so there is a high sense of ownership.

We are using tools that were developed by the WHO.” The final phase involves high-level political backing to ensure the plans become reality: “What follows is a high-level engagement with relevant government decision makers, the signing of the document, and commitment for implementation,” he concluded.

Tackling the unseen risks The human face of border health security, represented by travellers like Maregere, is just one half of the equation. According to frontline health experts who were involved in the cross-border meeting in Nakonde, the risks while crossing the border are often unseen–but could be stopped through heightening vigilance and control measures.

This is the essential science driving the joint regional assessment led by ECSA-HC. Luwisha Muyoba, the Surveillance Port Health Officer for the Nakonde-Tunduma Border Post in Zambia, explains the challenge of vectors in regional transport: “The people who know borders are me and you.

But the mosquitoes know no borders.” Emphasising why the cross-border meeting was key for pandemic preparedness and health security, Muyoba explains that without proper control measures like spraying buses and trucks with chemicals, vectors can easily move across vast distances while on the buses or trucks.

This creates a critical risk of disease transmission, such as the Aedes mosquito carrying yellow fever from one country, like Tanzania, to travellers heading to another, like Zimbabwe. Beyond controlling vectors, the rigorous health checks directly support regional economic stability.

Muyoba emphasised the role of healthy travellers in commerce: “We are facilitating safe trade food products being transported from one country to another in this region must be carried by safe travellers such as truck drivers, or else they might end up sick and the food consignments might end up not being cleared at the border.” .