Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) parliamentary candidate for Kibamba Constituency, Angellah Kairuki, has unveiled ten key priorities for residents of Saranga and Goba wards if elected in the October 29 general election.

Speaking at separate campaign rallies this week, Ms Kairuki said that while significant development had been achieved under the CCM government, several pressing challenges still needed urgent solutions. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected as your Member of Parliament, I will start by fencing all primary and secondary schools in both wards to ensure children’s safety,” she said.

On transport, Ms Kairuki pledged to push for the introduction of new daladala routes in Goba and surrounding areas to ease mobility challenges faced by residents. She also promised to secure land for cemeteries, noting that compensation would be paid where necessary to ensure residents have appropriate burial grounds.

In the health sector, Ms Kairuki said the government had invested over S00 million in constructing a two-storey building at Kimara Health Centre and allocated an additional Sh100 million for medical equipment. Saranga Health Centre, she added, had received Sh100 million for constructing an outpatient building, with plans to complete the project next month.

On education, she said Sh35.8 million had been allocated for building classrooms, kitchens, and introducing school meal services. She added that efforts were underway to acquire land for constructing new schools to reduce the long distances pupils currently walk.

Regarding infrastructure, Ms Kairuki noted that the government had already spent Sh1.8 billion on local road projects. She pledged to prioritise the second phase of road construction for routes such as KimunguSukaUkombozi, PeponiKKT Temboni, and SukaFoleniKarangaUpendo to improve gravel roads and strengthen transport networks.

She also vowed to oversee water projects in Saranga, Ukombozi, Bangu, Pasaka, and Ruvu neighbourhoods to ensure residents access water for more hours daily. Ms Kairuki further promised to support youth and women’s economic groups, including those for people with disabilities, through entrepreneurship training and small-business support.

Meanwhile, CCM campaign coordinator for Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, Hawa Ghasia, praised the party’s decision to nominate Ms Kairuki, describing her as “diligent, articulate, and results-oriented.” She urged Kibamba residents to vote for the CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing the administration’s development record.

Goba Ward councillor candidate Laurance Mlaki said his priorities align with the party manifesto and promised to collaborate closely with Ms Kairuki to tackle local challenges .

Arusha. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made minor adjustments to the number of registered voters and polling stations ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, following updates from the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In a statement issued yesterday, INEC said the revision follows the completion of voter data verification and processing in Zanzibar, where final figures show 717,557 registered voters and 1,752 polling stations. As a result, the total number of registered voters across Tanzania now stands at 37,647,235, down slightly from the 37,655,559 announced on July 26, 2025. Despite the minor change, the updated figure represents a 26.53 percent increase from the 29,754,699 voters recorded in the 2020 General Election.

According to the new data, 36,650,932 voters are from Mainland Tanzania, while 996,303 are from Zanzibar. Women constitute a slight majority at 18,950,801 (50.34 percent), with men numbering 18,696,439 (49.66 percent).

INEC also announced a slight revision to the number of polling stations to be used during the polls, now totaling 99,895, compared to 99,911 previously reported. Of these, 97,348 are on the Mainland and 2,547 in Zanzibar.

The commission noted that the new total represents a 22.47 percent increase from the 81,567 polling stations used in 2020, part of ongoing efforts to enhance voter access and reduce congestion at polling centres. INEC reaffirmed that, under the Elections Act No.

1 of 2024, Zanzibar’s voter register, managed by ZEC, forms part of the national voter register for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the Isles. “The Zanzibar Voter Register will form part of the INEC Voter Register for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Zanzibar,” the statement reads.

INEC further said that all political parties participating in the 2025 elections will soon receive the official list of polling stations for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councilor elections. .

Dar es Salaam. A new form of regenerative medicine that uses the body’s own stem cells to heal and restore damaged tissues is emerging as a promising alternative for those seeking cosmetic procedures traditionally addressed through plastic surgery.

The treatment, which is gaining popularity in the fields of health and aesthetics, enables the body to repair itself naturally without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Through regenerative therapy, patients can rejuvenate tired or ageing skin, stimulate new hair growth, reduce wrinkles, slow down ageing, lose weight, build muscle, heal wounds, and even ease pain in affected joints and body organs.

An aesthetic specialist, Dr Arshni Malde, who offers the treatment, said regenerative medicine is becoming increasingly popular due to its fast results and affordability compared to conventional plastic surgery. In an interview with The Citizen, Dr Malde explained how the therapy works and how it differs from surgical treatments.

“Unlike plastic surgery, which often requires a long recovery period and can sometimes lead to complications, regenerative medicine involves no cuts or wounds. The healing process is quicker, and the results last longer because it stimulates the body to naturally produce new collagen, nerves, and tissues,” she said.

Dr Malde, who practises in Nairobi, Kenya, said her team is expanding expertise in regenerative and functional medicine to meet the growing demand for safer, more natural beauty treatments. Globally, she said, regenerative medicine has advanced to the point where people can now regenerate body organs such as the liver, kidneys, and even grow new teeth.

“For instance, in dental regeneration, doctors can use gum tissue to grow new teeth. Although this technology is not yet fully advanced in Kenya, regenerative and stem-cell services are available in other parts of the world,” explained Dr Malde, who is also the Director of TIA Clinics and Regenera Pharma.

She said her team currently performs skin and hair regeneration for both men and women. “For someone struggling with hair thinning, we extract stem cells from their own body.

The cells are drawn from the patient’s blood, processed, and then injected back into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth,” she said. However, she noted that stem-cell therapy is less effective for individuals who have completely lost all their hair.

In such cases, hair transplant procedures are recommended. Beyond hair, regenerative medicine is also used to reduce facial wrinkles, improve skin tone and radiance, and help the body regenerate collagen.

It can also repair damaged skin, including burn scars, and relieve chronic pain. “When someone experiences pain in a specific body part, stem cells can be injected into the affected area to help regenerate nerves, ligaments, or cartilage–the soft tissue connecting bones,” Dr Malde explained.

She added that while bones cannot be fully regenerated, other tissues can heal up to 90100 percent in both men and women. Although she mainly focuses on aesthetic purposes, Dr Malde also treats patients suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues.

She urged other medical professionals to explore the use of stem-cell technology in their respective fields. In Tanzania, she said, a few doctors have started adopting regenerative therapies, particularly in the aesthetic sector, and expressed hope that the practice will expand across Africa.

“We started in Kenya, and now doctors from various specialities are offering regenerative services. You can see how medical practitioners are investing in this field.

It’s important for African doctors to embrace this innovation–it will definitely grow. Tanzania already has a few specialists doing it, and the number will keep rising,” she said.

Dr Malde added that she also uses peptide-based therapies for anti-ageing, weight loss, muscle building, and wound healing, describing regenerative therapy as a broad field with multiple applications. “This therapy is still relatively new, even in Western countries.

It’s a young and rapidly evolving field,” she said. Distinguishing between plastic surgery and regenerative medicine, she clarified: “Regenerative medicine is non-surgical, while plastic surgery involves invasive procedures.

Not everyone qualifies for surgery–studies show only about 40 percent of people meet the criteria. That’s where aesthetic treatments come in to help.

” She also pointed out that many people who desire cosmetic surgery cannot afford it, which makes regenerative therapy a more accessible option. On costs, she said regenerative therapy sessions range between $200 and $300, while full treatment can reach up to $10,000, depending on the patient’s condition.

“The good thing about these treatments is that we guide patients on how to plan their spending based on their income. For those who can’t afford full treatment, we offer pharmaceutical products that support regeneration, though results take longer to appear,” she said.

Dr Malde added that special pharmaceutical products are available for individuals who want regenerative therapy but cannot afford the complete package. Anti-ageing treatments, she noted, have become increasingly popular as many people wish to look youthful.

“It’s interesting how today’s generation prioritises beauty even when they cannot afford to feed their families,” she said with a smile. She clarified that peptide therapy works as a preventive measure against ageing rather than a cure.

“People without wrinkles use these products as a preventative step to delay ageing,” she explained. While Tanzania is still in the early stages, Dr Malde noted that a few local specialists are beginning to explore regenerative techniques for improving skin, hair, and overall body health.

A specialist in reconstructive surgery at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Dr Aidan Njau, has highlighted the growing importance of regenerative medicine in the country due to increasing demand. “Many people need this service, but surgery is expensive.

Regenerative treatment, although a new technology not yet widely introduced in Tanzania, requires substantial investment,” he said. “When setting up such services and equipment, you need a well-equipped laboratory that meets standards and all the necessary facilities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Erick Muhumba, a reconstructive surgery specialist at Muhimbili National Hospital-Mloganzila, explained that these treatments represent a new technology and are significantly different from traditional reconstructive surgery. “There is a big difference, and while we have begun offering this treatment in Tanzania, it is important for it to be available nationally.

People want to see results, especially when the treatment is less harmful and reasonably priced,” he said. A resident of Dar es Salaam, Ms Naomi Barton, emphasised the importance of this service, saying many desire body restoration but end up relying solely on topical treatments.

“Using collagen lotions makes it difficult to achieve fast results, and the effects do not last–once you stop, you go back to where you started. I believe that with regenerative treatment, your cells continue to renew themselves just like when you were young,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, will take on Zambia tomorrow at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match, but the squad will be without captain and central defender Dickson Job due to injury.

Job (pictured), who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, has been released from the national team camp, ruling him out of both tomorrow’s qualifier and the upcoming international friendly against Iran in Dubai on October 14. Despite the setback, head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman assured that the team remains well-prepared and confident. “We are doing fine despite missing the services of our central defender, Dickson Job, who sustained an injury,” said Suleiman.

“It is a blow for us, but we have alternatives within the squad to fill the gap and maintain our tactical plan.” The remainder of the squad is reported to be in good condition, with players showing focus and commitment ahead of the crucial clash against Zambia, a team recognised for its strength and ambition in African football.

Among the players ready to make an impact is newly called-up midfielder Habibu Idd, who expressed pride at representing the national team for the first time. He highlighted the importance of fan support in motivating the players on the pitch.

“Every player dreams of representing their country, and I am honoured to have this chance. We know the match will be challenging, but we are preparing well and are determined to secure a positive result,” said Idd.

Attacking midfielder Offen Chikola also reflected on the significance of his inclusion in the squad, describing it as a major milestone in his career. .

Arusha. Policy experts and business leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and international stakeholders are set to convene at the East African Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, amid growing concerns over the global economic slowdown.

The event, organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the EAC, is scheduled to run from October 16 to 17. The slowdown, affecting both developed and developing nations, has been fuelled by rising trade tensions, policy uncertainty, persistent inflation, higher production costs, and geopolitical risks. Global growth for 2025 is projected to range between 2.

9 and 3.2 percent.

The summit, themed “Promoting Private Sector Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment,” aims to strengthen business and investment ties while shaping East Africa’s broader economic agenda. Leaders from the public and private sectors are expected to explore innovative strategies to sustain growth amid global uncertainty.

Key discussions will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade through reduced tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, and market integration. With a single continental market of over 1.

3 billion people, AfCFTA offers East African businesses opportunities to expand beyond national borders and contribute to regional resilience. The summit will also deliberate on the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, linking the EAC, Comesa, and SADC, which aims to harmonise trade rules, reduce non-tariff barriers, and enhance cross-border investment flows.

These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional supply chains, attract foreign investment, and improve competitiveness in global markets. The EAC bloc, with a combined GDP estimated between $296 billion and $313 billion and a population of around 331 million, is projected to grow by 5.

8 per cent in 2025. Looking ahead, EAC Vision 2050 targets a GDP of $1.5 trillion under a “Current Path” scenario or $3.4 trillion under a more favourable “Combined Scenario.” EABC Executive Director Adrian Njau said the summit will provide a platform for practical solutions to trade barriers, investment promotion, and private sector-led growth.

Resolutions emerging from the forum will be submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers for endorsement, ensuring actionable outcomes that promote sustainable development. private sector participation, and inclusive growth for women and youth entrepreneurs.

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Dar es Salaam. Kenyan golfers once again demonstrated their dominance in East African golf after producing a series of outstanding performances at the Vodacom Tanzania Open Golf Championship, which concluded over the weekend at the scenic Kiligolf Course in Arusha.

The four-day stroke play event brought together over 150 golfers from eight African countries, featuring both professional and amateur divisions. The championship, sanctioned by the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), attracted some of the region’s finest golfers, all competing for top honors in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Tanzanian golf calendar.

In the professional category, Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu emerged as the overall champion with a total score of 289 strokes, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. His compatriot Greg Snow followed closely in second place with 300 strokes, while another Kenyan, Robinson Owiti, secured third position on 303 strokes.

Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel was the best local performer, finishing fourth with 305 strokes, ahead of Isaac Wanyeche, who placed fifth on 312 strokes. The trend of Kenyan excellence extended into the elite amateur category, where John Lejirma captured the title with an impressive 292 strokes.

Fellow Kenyan Michael Karanga finished second on 297, while Tanzania’s Isiaka Dunia delivered a strong showing to claim third place with 298 strokes. In the women’s division, Tanzania’s own Madina Idd delighted the home crowd by winning the title with 310 strokes, fending off stiff competition from compatriot Neema Olomi, who took second place with 315 strokes.

The winners were handsomely rewarded for their efforts, with the professional champion taking home Sh 8.2 million, while the top amateur received Sh 2.

5 million. In total, 22 golfers shared various cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, David Tarimo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vodacom Tanzania PLC, commended all participants for their skill and sportsmanship. “This tournament has been thrilling and inspiring.

Vodacom Tanzania is proud to support a championship that promotes excellence, discipline, and unity through sport,” said Tarimo. He added that Vodacom’s partnership with the Tanzania Golf Union reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and enhancing regional cooperation.

“This year, we leveraged our advanced network to deliver live score updates and an enhanced fan experience, bringing technology closer to the heart of sports,” he added. TGU Chairman Gilman Kasiga also applauded Vodacom Tanzania for its continued support, marking the third consecutive year of sponsorship.

“Vodacom’s commitment has transformed this tournament, setting new standards for golf in Tanzania. It shows how strong partnerships can elevate sport and inspire communities,” said Kasiga .

Dar es Salaam. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as Tanzania’s leading source of foreign investment, marking a major shift that has seen long-time leader China overtaken.

According to Tanzania Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), Tanzania registered 201 new projects worth $2.5 billion (Sh6.2 trillion) in three months to September 2025. The projects are expected to generate 20,808 employment opportunities. The UAE brought projects worth $502 million followed by China at $401.55 million and India at $176.18 million.

China was a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Tanzania, accounting for 1,098 investment projects worth $9.6 billion, until October 2022, which have created 131,718 jobs. China was followed by the UK and the USA in the second and third positions, respectively.

According to Tiseza, the top five sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded in the fourth quarter of the last financial year were, China ($1.5 billion), Cayman Islands ($495 million), United Arab Emirates ($305.4 million), India ($115.9), and Mauritius ($98.27 million). The government targets to attract Sh36.862trillion in total investments by the end of the current financial year with focus areas including special economic zones, said Tiseza director general, Mr Gilead Teri.

“Despite the fact that Tanzania is in an election season, investor confidence has remained strong, with continued momentum across key sectors,” he said, adding that out of that, 130 projects are owned by foreigners and 120 joint ventures. Five sectors that lead in the registration projects include manufacturing which accounted for 42.29 percent, followed by constriction of commercial building at 14.93 percent and transport at 14.43 percent.

Dar es Salaam led all regions with 79 projects valued at Sh2.03 trillion, followed by the Coast Region which recorded 29 projects worth S17.99 billion, while Mwanza registered 12 projects worth S82.97 billion, Dodoma followed closely with 13 projects amounting to S55.32 billion, and Arusha secured 16 projects with a combined value of Sh261.02 billion. “These figures are not just numbers; they reflect growing confidence across sectors and across regions.

Tanzanians should be alert to the opportunities ahead,” he said. To build on this momentum, Tiseza has launched a targeted national campaign to promote five high-priority Special Investment Zones.

These include Bagamoyo, Kwala, the Benjamin Mkapa area in Dar es Salaam, and Buzwagi in Kahama, with additional areas such as Ruvuma, Mirerani, and Tanga also receiving priority status under the current investment strategy. Mr Teri further announced that investors who commit to establishing a factory within 12 months in these designated zones will be provided land free of charge, a move aimed at accelerating industrial development and attracting both domestic and international investors.

In these zones, Tiseza has identified ten priority sectors for investment, which include fast-moving consumer goods, textile manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, vehicle assembly and auto parts manufacturing, paper and packaging materials, rubber products including tire production, boat and motorcycle engine manufacturing, solar technology and battery production, electrical devices, and furniture for the construction industry. “These sectors have high growth potential, strong capacity for job creation, and the ability to generate significant export value,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Teri also urged the public and potential investors to rely on official data from Tiseza and other government institutions, cautioning against the use of unofficial or unverified sources when making investment decisions. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to transparency and open engagement with stakeholders across all regions.

He noted that the sustained pace of investment, even in the context of a national election, is a clear sign of investor confidence in Tanzania’s long-term stability, policy direction, and commitment to economic transformation. .

Geita. Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) celebrated its 25th anniversary by hosting a golf tournament at the Lake Victoria Golf Club, located within the Geita mine site The tournament is part of a series of activities planned this year to commemorate GGML’s quarter-century journey, highlighting the company’s growth and acknowledging the contributions of employees, the local community, and government partners in building its legacy.

The event brought together GGML employees and representatives from partner companies, emphasizing the promotion of health, collaboration, and social well-being through sports. Speaking on behalf of management, GGML’s Senior Communications Officer, Rhoda Lugazia, explained that golf was chosen as part of the celebrations because it reflects values such as unity and discipline, which are central to the company’s culture.

“Golf is more than just a game. It provides an opportunity to foster teamwork, patience, and wellness in the workplace,” Lugazia said.

Participants included staff from various departments, such as engineering, environmental management, occupational safety, and communications. Guests from government institutions and the private sector also joined the tournament, reinforcing GGML’s commitment to strong community relations.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, GGML continues to support the development of sports and infrastructure in the Geita region, including improvements in schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities for local communities. The anniversary golf tournament not only celebrated the company’s achievements over 25 years but also reinforced its dedication to promoting health, collaboration, and social development in the region.

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Dar es Salaam. The disappearance of former Tanzanian ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, allegedly abducted under mysterious circumstances, has been taken to court.

On Tuesday, 7 October 2025, Mr Polepole’s lawyers, led by Advocate Peter Kibatala, filed a special petition at the Tanzania High Court, Dar es Salaam Registry, seeking urgent orders for his production before the court. The petition, filed under an emergency motion, names the respondents as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Head of Zonal Crime Officer (ZCO), and the Dar es Salaam Police Special Zone Commander (ZPC).

Advocate Kibatala told The Citizen sister newspaper Mwananchi that the petition follows reports that on the night of 6 October 2025, Mr Polepole was allegedly abducted by individuals suspected to be security officers who raided his home in Ununio, Kinondoni District. His whereabouts remain unknown.

“The applicant’s constitutional rights have been violated without justification,” Kibatala said, stressing that the matter requires urgent judicial intervention. “His welfare needs immediate attention, including confirmation of his condition,” he said.

The petition requests a court order compelling the respondents to produce Mr Polepole. It also seeks a one-sided hearing before all parties appear, citing the urgency of the situation.

If granted, the court would direct the respondents either to release him on bail or produce him before a competent court and charge him lawfully. Mr Polepole, a former ruling party stalwart and outspoken critic of government policies, has served in senior positions including CCM Secretary for Ideology and Publicity, Nominated MP, District Commissioner, and High Commissioner to Malawi, before his tenure in Cuba ended in July 2025. His disappearance has raised concern among civil society, human rights defenders and opposition leaders.

The court is yet to set a hearing date. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to personally intervene and ensure Mr Polepole’s safe and immediate release.

In a statement on 7 October 2025, THRDC condemned the abduction and urged the government to use all available means to locate Mr Polepole and others who remain missing. Signed by national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa, the statement reiterated the coalition’s long-standing call for a National Oversight Organ to receive complaints against security agencies.

The coalition demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Mr Polepole, urging his abductors to return him alive and in good health. It also called for a swift, independent, and transparent investigation, insisting that those responsible, regardless of rank, be held accountable under the law.

“The protection and security agencies have a constitutional duty to guarantee the safety of all citizens,” the statement said. THRDC also urged President Hassan to sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention against Torture, as a demonstration of Tanzania’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The coalition appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions, civil society, and the media to stand in solidarity against what it described as a “worrying escalation” of human rights violations. Describing Mr Polepole’s disappearance as a grave breach of human rights and an attack on freedom of expression, THRDC warned it reflects a shrinking civic space in Tanzania.

Mr Polepole was abducted on 6 October 2025 in Dar es Salaam. His whereabouts remain unknown.

THRDC said more than 100 similar cases have gone unresolved between 2024 and 2025. .

Nairobi. Kenya has completed converting three railway construction dollar-denominated loans from China into yuan in order to save on interest payments, its Finance Minister John Mbadi said on Tuesday.

The swap, which allows the floating, dollar-based interest rates across the three loans from China Exim Bank to drop into their lower, yuan-based rates, will save the country about $215 million a year, Mbadi told reporters. “It kicks off immediately and it is a saving in our fiscal space,” Mbadi told journalists at a briefing, without providing a figure for the outstanding loan amounts that were converted.

The East African nation borrowed three loans amounting to $5 billion in 2014 and 2015 for the construction of a modern railway line from the port city of Mombasa to a station near the Rift Valley town of Naivasha in the hinterland. The outstanding loans stood at a total of $3.5 billion by June last year, figures from the finance ministry showed.

China has not commented on the currency switch. Apart from the financial relief, Kenyan officials attribute the currency switch to the fact that the East African nation’s debt is concentrated in dollars, exposing the government to higher currency and interest rate risks.

About 68% of the stock of Kenya’s external debt is denominated in dollars, according to government officials. President William Ruto’s government has been trying to cut its overall debt, which stands close to 70% of gross domestic product, in order to make repayments more manageable.

The government has revamped its debt management strategy to smooth out its maturity curve and lighten the pressure on public coffers. It has also been turning to securitisation of revenue to raise funds for key projects like the extension of the railway from Naivasha to the Ugandan border, and the upgrading of its main airport in Nairobi.

A team from the International Monetary Fund is currently in Kenya for talks on a new Fund-supported programme after the expiry of the last one in April. Mbadi said the talks were going well.

“We need the IMF,” he said. “Yes, our economic conditions have improved but we must not lose sight that we need more concessional loans and they come from multilaterals like the IMF and the World Bank.

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