Category: The Citizen

Unguja. Zanzibar’s tourism has long been defined by turquoise waters, coral beaches and the heritage of Stone Town.

In recent years, however, a quieter economy has emerged, centred on wellness, healing and a slower, more intentional way of living. From boutique retreats to high-end spas, the islands are positioning themselves as a destination where rest and culture intersect.

Few stories reflect this transformation as vividly as that of Svitlana Nikolaieva, known as Nuru (pictured), a Ukrainian-born former paediatrician who arrived in Zanzibar by chance and built a life, and a business, around a new understanding of care. Trained as a medical doctor, Ms Nuru began her career in paediatrics, driven by a desire to help children heal.

Over time, however, hospital systems left her uneasy. “I started questioning a model of healthcare that focused almost entirely on illness and pain,” she recalls.

“There was little space for prevention, balance or happiness.” Seeking a different approach to health, she left clinical medicine and travelled to Nepal, where she studied Ayurveda, the ancient holistic system of wellbeing.

There, she realised that healing could focus on harmony, between body, mind and environment, not just diagnosis and treatment. Zanzibar entered her life unexpectedly.

Drawn by the coast and the island’s calm rhythm, Ms Nuru settled in south-east Unguja and, in 2020, opened a small wellness space in Jambiani. The timing was challenging, with global tourism in flux, yet the concept, personal, culturally grounded and deeply human, carried it through.

Rather than focusing solely on physical treatments, the spa blended Ayurvedic principles with African rituals and emotional wellbeing, offering guests a chance to reconnect with themselves. Three years later, Nuru Spa and Wellness was named Africa’s best spa, an accolade that surprised its founder.

By 2025, the venture had outgrown its original premises and moved to a larger, purpose-built space in Bwejuu, reflecting growing demand and the island’s evolving tourism offer. Running a business in Zanzibar comes with challenges, Ms Nuru says, but none insurmountable.

“You have to manage many moving parts at once, and as a single female business owner on a male-dominated island, earning respect matters,” she notes. Supply chains for specialised products are limited, and reliable electricity, water and internet require careful planning.

Still, she finds the experience deeply rewarding. “Zanzibar is a paradise, but more importantly, the people are kind and genuinely care.

I’m very grateful for my life here.” Ms Nuru’s guiding philosophy is simple: a happy person rarely falls sick.

From this flows a menu of experiences, sound healing, chakra cleansing, African hammam rituals, and water-based singing bowl massages, designed to restore rather than impress. Her team reflects the same ethos.

All therapists are women, a deliberate choice to create trust and mutual care. The spa has become a rare source of stable, long-term employment in an industry often characterised by short contracts and seasonal work.

Elizabeth Mshana, a therapist trained at Maruhubi Tourism College, joined in 2022. Originally from Moshi, she describes Nuru as “warm, generous and deeply human,” noting that staff welfare is treated as seriously as guest experience. Beyond wellness treatments, Nuru has expanded into hospitality through Kimulimuli Ayurveda Spa, a small accommodation facility combining family-friendly rooms, wellness services and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine, including vegetarian, vegan and halal options.

Located near Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, it serves both tourists and locals, linking tourism to community livelihoods. The expansion comes as Zanzibar’s tourism sector records strong growth.

In 2025, the islands welcomed a record 917,167 international visitors, nearly 25 percent more than the previous year. While European tourists dominate, arrivals from Asia and other regions have grown, broadening the sector’s resilience.

Tourism remains a pillar of Zanzibar’s economy, supporting employment across hospitality, transport and services. As the sector matures, smaller, skills-based enterprises like Nuru’s add depth to an industry long dominated by large resorts.

Today, Ms Nuru calls Zanzibar home. From paediatric wards in Ukraine to Ayurvedic classrooms in Nepal, and finally to the shores of the Indian Ocean, her journey mirrors a wider shift in the islands’ tourism narrative, one that values not only what visitors see, but how they feel when they leave.

As she often tells her guests, the message is simple: the world is beautiful because you are in it. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board (WRRB) says it has significantly strengthened Tanzania’s agricultural marketing system over the past two decades, improving warehouse operations by more than 70 per cent and expanding opportunities for farmers.

The gains have widened the range of commodities traded under the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) while improving farmers’ access to better prices, reliable markets and quality assurance. Speaking at the launch of the Board’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Dodoma on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, WRRB Managing Director Asangye Bangu said the regulator has become a key institution in Tanzania’s agricultural trade, benefiting farmers, traders, financial institutions and the wider economy.

“Over the past 20 years, WRRB has significantly improved warehouse operations nationwide. Farmers are now enjoying better prices, transparency, competition and improved quality control for their produce,” Mr Bangu said.

He noted that the Board currently regulates 18 agricultural commodities under the WRS and aims to exceed 20 products in the near future as the system continues to expand. “Our focus is to ensure the warehouse receiptsystem becomes a real solution for farmers.

Production has increased, markets have expanded and quality standards are much higher than before,” he said. Mr Bangu said the system has also changed long-standing practices that undermined quality, such as mixing produce with stones or sand to increase weight.

“Through the warehouse receipt system, farmers now deliver better-quality produce because good quality is rewarded with better prices,” he explained. He added that WRRB has empowered farmers by promoting secure storage, improving access to finance through warehouse receipts used as collateral, strengthening price discovery and reducing post-harvest losses.

Financial institutions, he said, have also benefited from reduced risk and greater confidence in commodity-backed transactions. Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Londo welcomed the achievements but urged the Board to address delays in payments to farmers, warning that late payments weaken trust in formal marketing systems.

“When a farmer sells produce, he expects immediate payment to settle debts for fertiliser, seeds and other inputs. Delays make farmers feel like they have given a loan,” Mr Londo said.

He stressed that WRRB’s mandate is to protect farmers, traders and consumers by ensuring fair competition and returns, while encouraging the Board to explore new markets, add value to produce and prioritise domestic needs alongside exports. The anniversary celebrations are expected to bring together government leaders, farmers’ organisations, financial institutions and private sector actors to reflect on achievements and shape the future of the Warehouse Receipt System, including digitalisation and market expansion.

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Dar es Salaam. A new Tanzanian agribusiness firm, Xseed Group Ltd.

, has entered the market with an ambition to strengthen agricultural trade between Africa and India. The move positions Tanzania as a more reliable sourcing hub within the wider Africa, Asia trade corridor.

The Tanzania-based company says the commencement of its operations aligns with national efforts to deepen agricultural value chains, improve export competitiveness and attract long-term investment into the sector. Its strategic focus is the TanzaniaIndia corridor, which remains one of the most active routes for African agricultural exports to Asia, particularly in commodities such as cashew nuts, cereals and pulses.

Xseed Group said it is seeking to address persistent structural challenges that have constrained agricultural trade, including fragmented sourcing, inconsistent quality standards and weak traceability. To that end, the company plans to introduce structured procurement systems, transparent supply mechanisms and market-aligned execution frameworks designed to support sustainable cross-border trade.

The firm operates through specialised verticals, including SMA, which focuses on disciplined agricultural sourcing and trade execution within Tanzania. According to the company, the model places strong emphasis on quality assurance, regulatory compliance and institutional transparency, areas increasingly demanded by international buyers, particularly in the Indian market.

Speaking on the start of operations, Xseed Group Managing Director Mr Sumit Kejriwal and Chief Executive Officer Mr Piyush Agarwal said the move reflects confidence in Tanzania’s agricultural potential and its growing role in regional and global food supply chains. They thanked the government of Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister for Agriculture for what they described as consistent leadership in strengthening the country’s agricultural and trade ecosystem.

The executives also cited Tanzania’s stable, secure and investor-friendly business environment as a key factor behind their decision to establish operations locally, noting that such conditions have encouraged responsible private sector participation and long-term international investment in agriculture. Xseed Group further acknowledged the role of sector institutions, including the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT), the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (Copra) and the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), in facilitating a smooth and compliant market entry.

In addition, the company expressed appreciation to the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in India for supporting bilateral trade engagement and helping to deepen commercial ties between the two countries. India remains one of Africa’s largest agricultural trading partners, driven by rising food demand, population growth and expanding agro-processing industries.

Tanzania has been identified as a key source market due to its production base, improving regulatory frameworks and access to regional and international ports. With operations now underway, Xseed Group said it is committed to building reliable and transparent supply chains that support Tanzanian producers, enhance export readiness and meet the evolving standards of international markets, particularly in Asia.

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Dar es Salaam. Prominent rally driver Ahmed Huwel has been crowned the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC) winner after a gritty performance at the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally held in Arusha over the weekend.

Huwel, navigated by Rahim Suleiman, sealed the coveted national title by finishing fifth in the final round of the championship, earning 23 crucial points to end the season with a total of 128 points. Although he did not finish on the podium in Arusha, the result proved sufficient to secure the NRC crown, underlining the consistency that defined his campaign throughout the season.

The championship finale attracted intense competition, with drivers pushing hard in one of the most demanding rallies on the calendar. Huwel’s ability to manage pressure and avoid costly mistakes ultimately played a decisive role in his title triumph, especially as several of his closest rivals struggled with mechanical issues and challenging stages.

Randeep Singh, partnered by navigator Manmeet Singh, finished second in the overall NRC standings. Singh entered the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally with 88 points and added 24 more after placing sixth, bringing his total to 132 points.

Despite ending the season with a higher aggregate, championship regulations and scoring criteria worked in Huwel’s favour, allowing the Tanzanian driver to emerge as the overall champion. Third place in the national standings went to Waleed Nahdi and his navigator Ally Hamoud of the Mkwawa Rally Team.

Nahdi accumulated 94 points over the season and picked up 14 points in Arusha after finishing ninth in a rally that saw only 10 drivers reach the finish line,a testament to the event’s toughness. On the rally results themselves, the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally was won by the Kenyan duo of Samman Vohra Singh and Drew Sturrock, who delivered an impressive performance in their Skoda Fabia Evo.

They were followed closely by compatriots Jasmeet Chana and Jaswinder Chana, driving a Ford Fiesta R5, in what turned out to be a thrilling contest at the front. Tanzanians Gupal Sandhu and David Sihokha completed the podium in third place, piloting their Mitsubishi Evo X with precision and composure.

Their strong finish was aided by misfortune for defending champions Manveer Birdi and Victor Jackson, whose Evo 9 suffered two punctures during the power stage, costing them valuable time and allowing Gupal to snatch the final podium position. The conclusion of the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally not only wrapped up a dramatic event in Arusha but also marked the end of an exciting NRC season–one that will be remembered for its close battles, international flair, and Ahmed Huwel’s well-earned championship glory.

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It was my first week at a new job, the beginning of a chapter, yet on a quiet Wednesday morning, I made the one mistake I had promised I wouldn’t. I arrived five minutes late to a team meeting.

Five. Whole.

Minutes.I felt the familiar heat rise in my cheeks as I rushed into the meeting, my heart thudding with that old panic.

As I stepped into the room, I instinctively launched into a performance I had perfected, one where I acted “fake-flusterd”, so people knew I cared. I fussed with my notebook, avoided eye contact, and prepared myself for the cold glares and silent judgments I had grown used to in my previous workplace.

But then- nothing. No one sneered or raised an eyebrow.

Where were the rolled eyes in disdain? They simply looked at me calmly, a colleague smiled at me and then continued with the meeting as if my tardiness had not fractured the earth beneath us. There was no tension.

No loaded silence. Just people sitting, ready to work.

I was performing for corporate ghosts, carrying wounds from another place when lateness meant reprimands and flinching glances across the room. That’s when it hit me.

I had left my toxic job, but it hadn’t left me. Maybe that’s you right now.

New year, fresh start, but deep down, you’re still bracing for punishment that isn’t coming. If you’ve ever worked in a toxic job, you know what I mean, you might have escaped the building, but the alarms still go off internally.

A few signs you are not over your previous toxic work environment include you: Overexplaining small decisions. Apologising for things that aren’t your fault.

Feeling anxious when someone uses a “full stop” in an email. Working overtime, just to prove you’re not lazy Feeling internally anxious without external triggers A 2022 survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 76% of employees who experienced toxic leadership still displayed signs of mistrust and fear in future jobs, even after the toxicity ended.

Psychologists call this survival mode conditioning: When your brain rewires to detect threats even in safe environments. In toxic jobs, being alert keeps you employed, but in a healthy workplace, it makes you seem guarded, unapproachable, or worse, uncoachable.

Leaving a toxic workplace is brave, but healing from one is intentional. The key is learning how to tell the difference between old patterns and new realities.

I’m not suggesting you forget what you’ve experienced but rather, trust where you are now. Carrying an emotional shield in a healthy environment might protect you from disappointment, but it also prevents you from making the very progress you’re ready for this year.

Here are 3 steps to stop working like you’re under attack: 1. Audit Your Auto-Responses.

Start noticing moments where you over-apologize, triple-check your tone, or downplay your wins. Ask: Is this based on current reality, or past fear? 2.

Build a “Safe Signals” List. Look for evidence that you’re in a healthy environment: Are you encouraged to ask questions? Do people take breaks without guilt? Are you thanked or affirmed regularly? Let these signals anchor your nervous system.

3. Redefine Professionalism for Yourself.

Toxic jobs teach us that professionalism = perfectionism + silence. Healthy jobs know professionalism = accountability + humanity.

Let yourself be human again. If this article resonated with you, take a moment to acknowledge that you are recovering and it’s a process, so give yourself grace.

This year you are in a new chapter, by all means, ditch the old script and the muscle memory that trained you to fear human error. The curtain has closed and you will not need to play the part,as you strive for excellence in your work.

This time, you get to show up whole. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is moving beyond short-term food security measures to build long-term, resilient food systems, emphasising infrastructure, regulation, and digital market solutions as key pillars of national and regional resilience.

This was highlighted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) Director General, Ms Irene Madeje Mlola. She spoke during the Gulfood World Economy Summit, part of Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for food trade and policy engagement.

Speaking in the high-level session titled “Agile by Design: Nexus Between Food Security and Infrastructure for a Connected World,” Ms Mlola noted that Tanzania is prioritising system design that ensures efficient, safe, and transparent movement of food from producers to markets. “Agriculture remains central to Tanzania’s economy, contributing approximately 26 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), accounting for 30 percent of foreign exchange earnings, and employing nearly two-thirds of the population,” she said.

“With food self-sufficiency exceeding 120 percent, our focus is on structured, rules-based systems that deliver stability, reliability, and growth,” added Ms Mlola. Furthermore, the authority’s statement, made available to The Citizen on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, said Tanzania’s engagement at Gulfood is being showcased through the Tanzania Pavilion, coordinated by COPRA, which brings together key public institutions and private sector actors.

The Pavilion demonstrates progress in structured agricultural markets, supported by modern storage facilities, warehouse receipt systems, regulated digital trading platforms, and logistics corridors. These measures enhance price transparency, traceability, and market discipline, while boosting investor confidence and facilitating trade in cereals, pulses, cocoa, horticulture, coffee, cashew nuts, and other commodities.

As the national regulator for cereals and other produce, COPRA oversees market participation, licensing, quality compliance, and trading standards. “This regulatory framework has enabled Tanzania to move from fragmented trading practices towards data-driven, rules-based markets that support domestic food security and regional and international trade,” reads part of a statement.

Tanzania’s presence at Gulfood also underscores the country’s strategic role in regional food supply chains, leveraging its geographic location, expanding transport networks, and growing storage and processing capacity to serve markets across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Through these initiatives, Tanzania is positioning itself as a credible and reliable partner in global food trade, combining strong production capacity with effective regulation, modern infrastructure, and long-term policy vision.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians now have a new investment option following the launch of Ziada Fund, a money market unit trust scheme with embedded life insurance benefits.

The fund, a brainchild of Africa Pension Fund Limited (APeF), was officially launched in Dar es Salaam on Monday, January 26, 2026, marking a significant milestone in efforts to widen access to regulated and inclusive investment solutions. Ziada Fund’s initial offer period runs from January 26 to February 25, 2026. The launch was officiated by the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), CPA Nicodemus Mkama, and attended by representatives from the Bank of Tanzania, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), pension funds, fund managers, brokers, banking and insurance institutions, as well as members of the media.

Designed as a disciplined money market portfolio, Ziada Fund enables investors to save and grow their money while enjoying the added benefit of life insurance protection for eligible individual investors. The fund also offers flexibility, allowing investors to start easily, top up at any time and access their funds within three working days.

Speaking at the launch, APeF Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mfaume Kimario, said the fund was designed for investors seeking a simple, stable and trustworthy investment option without sacrificing liquidity. “Ziada is built for investors who want a straightforward way to grow their money without locking themselves out of access,” he said.

He said that eligible investors qualify for life insurance cover once their net asset value reaches Sh250,000, with coverage equivalent to 50 percent of the net asset value, capped at an insured value of Sh100 million and a maximum payout of Sh50 million. Speaking on behalf of the APeF chairman and board, an APeF board member, Dr Hamisi Kibola, congratulated CMSA for the progress made in developing Tanzania’s capital markets and nurturing the vibrancy currently seen in the sector.

He noted that Tanzania’s savings rate remains below three percent, calling for closer collaboration among regulators and financial sector players to build a stronger savings culture anchored on professionalism, trust, financial literacy and ease of access. Dr Kibola said APeF was established with innovation at its core, aiming to widen practical pathways for saving and investing through unit trust schemes and private pension plans that integrate insurance solutions with capital markets.

Ziada Fund has been developed in partnership with key institutional players, with Alliance Life Assurance Limited serving as the insurer and National Bank of Commerce as custodian and trustee. Investors can access the fund through collecting banks including CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, Exim Bank, Azania Bank, Coop Bank, National Bank of Commerce and Mwanga Hakika Bank, as well as through licensed dealing members of the DSE and APeF’s digital platforms.

“We invite Tanzanians to make saving a habit through Ziada,” Mr Kimario said. “Consistent saving strengthens families, uplifts communities and supports national development.

Ziada offers a simple place to start, to grow steadily and to protect what matters most.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tax collections by the Customs Department have risen by a remarkable S00 billion per month over the past year, following major investments in mechanisms to curb leakages at border points.

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, Mr Yusuph Mwenda, said the department is now collecting an average of Sh1.2 trillion per month, up from Sh800 billion almost a year ago. “To improve efficiency in revenue collection and border protection, TRA has invested in professional training for customs officers and modern technology,” Mr Mwenda said during an event to mark International Customs Day.

Revenue growth stems from stricter enforcement of regulations governing goods entering and leaving the country, ensuring compliance with national laws, international agreements, and health, public safety, and environmental standards. “Among these investments is the purchase of 57 scanners worth $90 million, used to detect smuggling and prevent the importation of hazardous goods,” he added.

Over the past year, the Customs Department has successfully curtailed counterfeit, substandard, and hazardous products, as well as legally prohibited items, protecting consumers, safeguarding the environment, and supporting fair competition for local businesses. Mr Mwenda noted that the department will continue strengthening cooperation with customs authorities in East African Community member states to combat cross-border crime and enhance government revenue.

Speaking at the same event, Commissioner of Customs, Mr Juma Hassan, said the occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm the department’s commitment to shielding society from risks posed by counterfeit goods, narcotics, and other hazardous items. “Customs cannot operate effectively without the support of other stakeholders, including government institutions and business operators,” he said.

“Their participation is vital in ensuring that Tanzanians receive the services they deserve.” Meanwhile, Tanzania Bureau of Standards Director General, Dr Ashura Katunzi, confirmed the bureau will continue working closely with TRA to ensure citizens access safe and quality goods.

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Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) return to Mainland Premier League action this evening seeking an immediate response after a tough outing on the continental stage, when they fell 2-0 to Egypt’s Al Ahly in a Caf Champions’ League Group B encounter played in Alexandria.

The loss ended Yanga’s positive momentum in Africa, but attention now swiftly shifts back to domestic matters as the champions host Dodoma Jiji FC at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam, with kickoff set for 7pm. It is a crucial fixture for both sides, each chasing valuable points for very different ambitions at this stage of the season.

Yanga come into the match sitting second on the league table with 19 points from seven matches. Victory tonight would propel them to the summit with 22 points, overtaking current leaders JKT Tanzania, who have amassed 21 points from 12 outings.

With games in hand and a strong goal difference, the champions know that consistency at home could quickly reassert their dominance in the title race. Despite the disappointment in Cairo, Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves has played down any concerns over morale, insisting his squad is fully focused on the league challenge.

“We are taking this match very seriously. All players are in top form and ready to give their best,” said Goncalves, adding that the quick turnaround offers a perfect chance to restore confidence.

Yanga will also draw encouragement from their most recent league performance at the same venue, where they dismantled Mashujaa FC 6-0 in a commanding display that underlined their attacking depth and defensive solidity. Dodoma Jiji FC eager to upset the champions and climb away from the crowded mid-table zone.

They are currently placed 12th with 10 points from 10 matches, but a positive result would significantly boost their standing. A win would lift them into eighth place, leapfrogging Fountain Gate FC (10th with 11 points), TRA United (ninth with 12 points) and Mashujaa FC (eighth with 13 points).

Dodoma Jiji head coach Amani Josiah acknowledged the scale of the task facing his side but expressed confidence in his players’ determination. “We know Yanga are a strong team, especially at home, but we will play with commitment and discipline,” said Josiah.

“Every point matters at this stage.” In another Mainland Premier League fixture scheduled for today, Coastal Union will host KMC FC at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, with kickoff at 9pm.

Like the clash in Dar es Salaam, both sides are desperate for maximum points to improve their league positions and ease pressure as the season gathers momentum. .

Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its uncompromising stance against corruption and the misuse of public funds, warning that loopholes within public systems that enable graft and financial leakages will not be tolerated.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba issued the warning while officially opening the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of leaders organised by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). He said the Sixth Phase Government is intensifying the fight against corruption, abuse of office and unethical conduct in public service to safeguard national resources and improve service delivery.

Dr Nchemba said President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains firmly opposed to corruption in all its forms and has directed public institutions to strengthen integrity, accountability and transparency. “I congratulate the PCCB leadership for the excellent preparations of this meeting.

For more than two decades, this annual gathering has remained a key pillar of our national framework for self-assessment and strategic planning. We must use this forum to strengthen our plans to curb corruption,” he said.

He noted that although President Hassan had been scheduled to officiate at the meeting, she was unable to attend due to other commitments and had delegated him to deliver her message and reaffirm her full support for PCCB. Dr Nchemba said the participation of officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar underscored national unity in the fight against corruption and demonstrated that safeguarding public resources is a shared responsibility of both sides of the Union.

“This participation strengthens our Union and confirms our collective commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation and ensuring public resources benefit all citizens,” he said. Dr Nchemba emphasised that President Hassan has zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office and negligence in public service.

He said her administration has strengthened oversight institutions, including PCCB, through increased investment in human resources, modern systems and working tools, alongside enhanced budgetary support. “Technology and modern systems have been prioritised, particularly in areas vulnerable to financial leakages.

These measures are meant to seal loopholes that allow misuse of public funds,” he said. Dr Nchemba warned that the loss of public funds is often a result of weak or deliberately compromised systems.

“When public funds are collected and spent properly, transparently and with integrity, they do not disappear. But when systems weaken or are intentionally broken, money vanishes,” he said.

He added that delays in disbursement or diversion of resources directly undermine service delivery, leading to stalled projects and public frustration. “The effects are visible even to citizens far from major cities,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that while the government does not oppose lawful wealth creation, it will act decisively against illicit enrichment. “A few individuals should not take a disproportionate share of the national cake while the majority struggle,” he said.

He urged that public resources must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including access to medicines, reliable roads, quality education and dignified living conditions. Dr Nchemba also called for strengthening ethical foundations from the grassroots, arguing that accountability must be embedded through strong systems rather than reliance on individuals.

“Do not judge people by appearance or age. Examine the systems and environments in which they operate,” he said.

The AGM, which was postponed last year due to security concerns, brought together senior officials to assess PCCB’s performance and set priorities for the year ahead. PCCB Director General Crispin Chalamila said the meeting provided an opportunity to review achievements and chart the way forward.

He thanked the government for its continued support. He said that between July and December 2025, PCCB monitored 619 development projects worth Sh553.45 billion and prevented the loss of Sh173.5 million through early intervention.

The bureau also recovered more than Sh60.2 billion through investigations, either returning the funds to government coffers or stopping losses before they occurred. “This meeting is not a routine exercise.

It is a moment to reflect, strengthen systems and build a united front against corruption,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability) Ridhiwani Kikwete said cooperation between institutions and partners had been critical to the progress made so far.

He urged institutions to maintain open communication and timely information sharing, saying this was essential to strengthening the national anti-corruption drive. .