Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Government and religious leaders have been urged to step down from positions of authority and genuinely engage with the challenges facing citizens, rather than celebrating or taking pleasure in their suffering.

The appeal was made during the National Christmas Eve Service in Kigoma Region, organised by the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT). Speaking at the service on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Bishop Jackson Mshendwa delivered the Christmas message, saying many leaders fail to remain close to their communities, preventing them from understanding the real struggles of the people they lead.

“We call upon pastors to emulate Jesus Christ by being present among their followers, sharing their hardships, witnessing their struggles, and carrying their burdens to lead effectively,” he said. He added that leaders who distance themselves from the people are often accessed by only a few, leaving others excluded from key decision-making.

This, he said, often results in decisions made without a clear understanding of realities on the ground, leaving citizens confused and dissatisfied. Bishop Mshendwa also highlighted social media’s role in fuelling negative behaviour.

He cited cases where disasters, such as house fires, noting that instead of offering help, people take photos or videos to share online, reflecting a decline in compassion and solidarity. “We urge believers to celebrate the festive season by following Christ’s example, removing fear among the public.

To live a meaningful life, one must avoid favouring others based on personal interests and practice moderation in all they use or consume to ensure peaceful celebrations,” he said. He reiterated that a good leader remains at the centre of the people they lead, as failing to understand their challenges is equivalent to failing to lead.

True leadership, he said, must be grounded in compassion, accountability, and service. CCT Kigoma Chairman, Pastor Thobias Msigaro, encouraged believers to work hard and refrain from complaining, noting that the Bible teaches that God blesses those who seek Him.

Concluding, Bishop Mshendwa said the message of Christmas is “God with us,” urging people to do good at all times while remaining vigilant of the devil’s constant presence. He encouraged citizens to give thanks to God for His grace and protection.

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Dar es Salaam. The High Court has declared that the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) is not the supreme or sole umbrella body for Muslims in Tanzania, ruling that state authorities acted unconstitutionally by compelling Muslim organisations to seek its endorsement as a condition for registration.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Elizabeth Mkwizu, Awamu Mbagwa and Hamidu Mwanga held that the Registrar of Societies and the Administrator-General lacked any legal basis to recognise Bakwata as the exclusive representative of the Muslim community. The ruling arose from a constitutional petition filed by Prof Hamza Njozi and nine others, who challenged the long-standing requirement that Muslim organisations submit introduction or reference letters from Bakwata before they could be registered or have their trustees incorporated.

“The requirement for submission of an introduction or reference letter from Bakwata is not a statutory requirement under the Societies Act or the Trustees’ Incorporation Act,” the judges held, adding that no provision of law empowered the respondents to impose such a condition. The petitioners argued that the practice violated Articles 19 and 20 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and association, as well as the right to equality before the law.

They further contended that Bakwata could not lawfully serve as an umbrella body for all Muslims because its constitution restricts leadership to adherents of the Sunni-Shafi’i denomination. After examining Bakwata’s constitutional provisions, the court agreed, finding that its leadership criteria “exclude Shia Muslims and other Sunni denominations,” thereby undermining its claim to represent the entire Muslim population.

“Such an organisation cannot be said to be a legitimate representative of all Tanzanian Muslims,” the bench ruled, observing that compelling other Muslim organisations to seek endorsement from Bakwata effectively forced them to associate with an organisation “not of their choice” and to conform to a particular denomination. The judges also criticised the state for failing to justify its conduct either in law or evidence.

Letters issued by the Registrar of Societies and the Administrator-General insisting on Bakwata endorsement cited no statutory provisions, and the respondents were unable to point to any legal authority empowering them to do so. In one such directive, the registrar instructed an applicant that they were required to submit “a letter from Bakwata and not Baraza Kuu Tanzania,” a demand the court found to be wholly unsupported by law.

The bench further scrutinised Bakwata’s historical legitimacy. While the organisation was registered in 1968, the court noted that its first constitution was only adopted in 1999, and neither the state nor Bakwata could produce records identifying its founding members.

“This buttresses the suspicion that none of the Tanzanian Muslims founded Bakwata, contrary to what it claims,” the court observed, reinforcing the petitioners’ argument that the organisation’s elevation as a supreme Muslim authority lacked a constitutional foundation. The petitioners also challenged the National Vocational Training Board Regulations, 1981 and Item (k) of the schedule to the National Education Advisory Council, 2002 which accord preferential recognition to Bakwata by recognising it as a member of VETA’s board and granting its secretary a seat on the Education Council, thereby excluding other Muslim organisations.

However, the judges declined to grant all the reliefs sought. They dismissed the challenge to provisions of the National Vocational Training Board Regulations of 1981, which had previously accorded Bakwata representation, on the grounds that the parent law had since been repealed.

“Since the impugned law is no longer in force, we find the petitioners’ contention misplaced and devoid of merit,” the court held, noting that Bakwata does not sit on the current VETA board. The court also rejected claims that Bakwata’s presence on the National Education Advisory Council was unconstitutional, accepting the state’s argument that the organisation participates as a stakeholder in the education sector rather than as a religious representative.

On the central issue of registration and incorporation, however, the ruling was unequivocal. The judges concluded that the conduct of the Registrar of Societies and the Administrator-General “violates the provisions of Articles 19 and 20 of the Constitution and is therefore unconstitutional.

” Consequently, the court issued declaratory orders barring authorities from imposing conditions that compel Muslim organisations to recognise Bakwata as their supreme body or to obtain its endorsement as a prerequisite for registration. Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.

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Dodoma. Four people have died, and 17 others were injured after a church wall collapsed on Wednesday evening, December 23, 2025, in Wiliko Village, Mlowa Ward, Chamwino District.

Reports from the district say a wall of the Reality of Christ (ROC) Church fell while worshippers were inside. Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Mr Gallus Hyera, was unavailable for comment, as repeated calls to his phone went unanswered.

However, Wiliko Village Chairman Gabriel Mika confirmed the incident, attributing heavy rain and strong winds. “Indeed, one man and three women, all adults from my village, died.

I am here at the mourning site,” said Mr Mika. He added that earlier on Wednesday, a baptism and fellowship service had been held, during which many worshippers had gathered at the church.

The village leader said that as the service ended, heavy rain and strong winds began to fall. “The pastor asked the worshippers to return home, but many stayed inside for shelter,” he said.

“That is when the church wall collapsed. Two people died at the scene, and the other two passed away at the hospital before receiving treatment,” added the chairman.

He said 17 people were injured; two died, three were treated and discharged, while the remaining 12 were admitted to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital. Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital Acting Medical Officer, Dr Ernest Ibenzi, confirmed receiving the 12 injured, adding that they continue to receive treatment.

“We thank God that they are all doing well and are responding to treatment. There are no other complications since they were brought in,” said Dr Ibenzi.

In a statement shared on social media, Reality of Christ Church Pastor Paul Godfrey said he was shocked by the incident but urged his congregants to remain strong in faith, as they have no other place of worship. Pastor Godfrey added that services would continue at the site, despite not having a church building, because the location was divinely provided and cannot be abandoned.

Wiliko is located 78 kilometres south of Dodoma City. It is the village where Matonya Mganga, a prisoner who spent 41 years in jail, lived before receiving a pardon from the late fifth-phase President, Dr John Magufuli.

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Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday called for a thorough investigation into the sources of damage to ferries, hinting at reports suggesting deliberate sabotage to justify costly repairs.

The directive came two weeks after the Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega ordered the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Technical and Electrical Agency (Temesa) and other officials pending investigations into allegations of financial misconduct. During his visit to Magogoni sin Dar es Salaam on December 7, Mr Ulega said a financial report from the agency revealed a shortfall of Sh2.5 billion, which he alleged had been misappropriated.

Investigations by Mwananchi newspaper into ferry services and the agency’s operations in 2024 highlighted administrative negligence, which has delayed ferry repairs and caused some vessels to remain stranded in Mombasa, Kenya, for the third consecutive year. Dr Nchemba issued the new instructions during a tour to inspect transport operations in Magogoni, where ferry services are provided.

He directed Mr Ulega to investigate whether ferries were being deliberately damaged to enable officials to profit from repair contracts. The Premier also directed that Temesa chief executive Lazaro Kilahala and the agency’s management be dismissed and referred to law enforcement over misappropriation exceeding Sh2.5 billion.

“To operate a ferry, we need Sh800 million, which we lacked. Then those entrusted with responsibility misappropriated Sh2.5 billion.

These are the issues undermining services,” he said. Dr Nchemba called for a comprehensive investigation, warning that deliberate damage to ferries creates opportunities for illicit deals during repairs.

He added that without vigilance, the government risks spending more on repairing a ferry than the cost of constructing a new one. His remarks echo previous debates over the repair of the MV Magogoni ferry in Kenya, which cost Sh7.5 billion to repair, compared with the vessel’s purchase price of Sh8 billion.

“The responsible authorities must act against those involved. Such disrespect for public funds, lack of accountability and disregard for Tanzanians must end,” he said.

The Prime Minister described the financial abuse as akin to officials “dividing ferries among themselves” while pocketing fares collected from passengers. Given that experts from various government departments have already investigated the financial misconduct, Dr Nchemba said there was no need for further inquiry beyond ensuring that those responsible are dismissed and prosecuted.

“The officials should be immediately dismissed and ensure the relevant units are referred to law enforcement,” he said. He also instructed Mr Ulega to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely disbursement of funds for ferry maintenance, allowing repairs to be completed and services restored.

The government owns three ferries–MV Kazi, MV Magogoni and MV Kigamboni–serving the Kivukoni – Kigamboni route, but only MV Kazi is currently operational. Acting Temesa CEO Moses Mabamba said the MV Magogoni has been under repairs in Mombasa since 2023. He said the repairs, costing about Sh7.5 billion, are 70 percent complete, while MV Kigamboni is under maintenance at Songoro Marine in Kigamboni.

“Before these ferries were damaged, we could collect around Sh20 million per day, but now collections range between Sh3.61 million and S million,” he said. Meanwhile, Communications Director of Bakhresa Group, Mr Hussein Sufian, which partners with the government to operate additional ferries, said services began earlier this year after government vessels experienced breakdowns.

Initially operating four ferries, the fleet now consists of eight, each carrying up to 200 passengers. He said passenger numbers have grown from 20,000 daily to between 50,000 and 100,000, prompting plans to introduce additional ferries to meet demand.

Ferry crossings take between five and ten minutes, depending on sea conditions. .

Dodoma. Survivors of the Wiliko church wall collapse have narrated the terrifying moments leading to the tragedy, as the Bishop of the Central Tanganyika Diocese, Dr Dickson Chilongani, announced financial support to help cover medical expenses for the injured.

The incident claimed four lives and left 17 others injured after a church wall collapsed in Wiliko Village, Chamwino District. One of the injured, Ms Neema Bwanga (24), a church leader, said strong winds triggered the collapse after shaking the structure and dislodging fellowship cups.

“I was on duty that day. The pastor had conducted a baptism for children and adults, followed by a fellowship service.

After the service ended, I was collecting equipment, including the cups,” said Ms Bwanga. He said the cups suddenly began falling as the corrugated iron sheets rattled loudly, prompting worshippers to flee in panic.

“I remained inside the church, leaning against the wall. I do not remember what happened next.

I regained consciousness at the hospital. My child was with me but, thankfully, was not injured,” she said.

Another injured congregant, Ms Magreth Kapande, said the church building was incomplete. It had walls made of renta blocks and was temporarily roofed with new corrugated iron sheets supported by a large central pillar.

She said the service had been proceeding normally until the winds intensified, prompting the pastor to ask worshippers to disperse. “We had completed the walls of the main church, but because of the rains, we covered it with iron sheets before finishing construction.

When strong winds started, the pastor asked us to leave, but many people sheltered behind the eastern wall, which later collapsed,” she said. Dodoma Regional Police Commander Gallus Hyera was unavailable for comment, as repeated calls to his phone went unanswered.

However, Bishop Chilongani announced that all churches under the Central Tanganyika Diocese would contribute to supporting those injured. He urged congregations across the diocese to conduct fundraising activities, which began during Christmas Day services.

Wiliko Village Chairman Gabriel Mika confirmed the incident, attributing it to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. “Indeed, one man and three women, all adults from my village, died.

I am currently at the mourning site,” said Mr Mika. He added that a baptism and fellowship service had been held on Wednesday afternoon and was attended by many worshippers, noting that as the service ended, heavy rain and strong winds set in.

“The pastor asked people to go home, but many chose to remain. That is when the church wall collapsed.

Two people died at the scene, while the other two died at the hospital before receiving treatment,” he said. He said 17 people were injured; two died, three were treated and discharged, while the remaining 12 were admitted to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital.

Acting Medical Officer at Dodoma Regional Hospital, Dr Ernest Ibenzi, confirmed receiving 12 injured people from the incident. He said they are continuing to receive treatment, while others were treated and discharged from Mlowa District Hospital.

“We received 12 injured patients. We thank God that they are all stable and continuing treatment here, with no complications reported since admission,” said Dr Ibenzi.

Wiliko Village is located about 78 kilometres south of Dodoma City. It is also the home village of Matonya Mganga, who spent 41 years in prison before being pardoned by the late fifth-phase President, Dr John Magufuli.

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Nairobi. African governments are increasingly exploring alternative ways to finance infrastructure, moving beyond conventional external borrowing toward capital-market instruments, pooled investment vehicles, and domestically anchored funds.

Policymakers and market participants say the shift reflects tighter debt constraints, rising currency risks, and a policy push to mobilise long-term local capital for transport, energy, and social infrastructure while reducing reliance on foreign-currency loans. “By pivoting toward domestic capital mobilisation, countries are effectively attempting to match long-term infrastructure liabilities with stable, locally sourced funding, while simultaneously deepening domestic financial markets,” according to Shem Joshua, a Kenyan public finance management expert.

Across the continent, the infrastructure financing gap is estimated at between $68 billion and $108 billion annually, while domestic institutional capital, led by pension funds and insurers, now exceeds $1 trillion. Yet less than five percent of these long-term savings are invested in infrastructure or productive assets, according to the Africa Finance Corporation.

Countries are, however, moving to tap into these domestic capital pools. South Africa’s debut Infrastructure and Development Finance Bond in November 2025 illustrates this transition.

According to the National Treasury, the government raised R11.8 billion (approximately $693 million) in its first-ever infrastructure bond sale, R7.0 billion (approximately $412 million) in 10-year notes at an interest rate of 8.575 percent, and R4.8 billion (approximately $281 million) in 15-year paper at an interest rate of 9.

13 percent. Total bids exceeded R26 billion ($1.5 billion), yielding a 2.

2-times subscription rate. The bond forms part of the government’s domestic borrowing programme under the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, designed to boost infrastructure investment and develop long-term financing instruments.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana described it as “a tool to scale public-sector pipelines and embed private-sector participation.” Proceeds will finance projects approved under the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), spanning energy, water, transport, and social infrastructure.

The revamped BFI now operates four annual bid windows, up from one, improving project throughput and predictability. In its first two quarters, 28 submissions were received, with nine advancing to detailed appraisal.

Disbursements are channelled through the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Infrastructure Fund, linking capital release to milestones and reinforcing accountability. Investor appetite has been reinforced by improving macro signals: South Africa’s first SandP Global Ratings upgrade since 2005, easing power constraints, stronger-than-expected revenue collection, and a 2.

8 percent export rise in October to R192.2 billion ($11.1 billion). Kenya also offers an example of countries charging towards alternative infrastructure financing.

On 15 December 2025, the Cabinet approved a National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund to pool privatisation proceeds and crowd in pension, private equity, and development capital for priority projects. Initial capital is drawn from planned asset sales, aiming to support roughly KSh5 trillion (US$31 billion) in development over the next decade.

Elsewhere, Ghana’s fixed-income market has rebounded sharply, with GHS 214 billion ($12.8 billion) traded in 2025. Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, calls it “a new era of regional financial leadership,” positioning the country as a hub under the AfCFTA Financial Integration Framework. Trading volumes plunged during the domestic debt exchange, from GHS 230 billion ($13.8 billion) in 2022 to GHS 98 billion ($5.9 billion) in 2023. By October 2025, activity had fully recovered, reflecting restored investor confidence amid a macro turnaround: inflation fell from 54 percent to eight percent, the cedi appreciated 35 percent, and reserves cover nearly five months of imports.

GFIM (Ghana Fixed Income Market) innovations, including a centralized electronic trading platform and product diversification, have boosted transparency, liquidity, and private-sector participation. Pension funds now hold over GHS 90 billion (US$5.4 billion) on the market, yet over 80 percent remains in short-term government securities, leaving long-term savings underutilized.

Ghanaian market analysts and development finance experts estimate that redirecting 5-10 percent of pension assets into structured infrastructure instruments could unlock roughly $1 billion annually for roads, solar plants, water networks, and digital infrastructure while delivering inflation-hedged returns. Precedents in other countries show how pension-backed investments can fund hospitals, solar plants, and climate-resilient digital networks, generating strong returns and jobs.

In Nigeria, the scale and sophistication of pension capital are particularly notable. The country’s total pension fund assets reached 26.09 trillion ($14.6 billion) by September 2025, up 5.

9 percent from the previous quarter, with Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFAs) driving a surge in offshore holdings. Foreign money market instruments jumped 111.8 percent, reflecting both currency-hedging needs and a search for yield amid domestic market volatility.

(bird story agency) Currently, roughly 60 percent of retirement savings remain in government debt, with less than 10% in corporate securities. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has signalled a strategic pivot, encouraging funds to diversify into commercially viable infrastructure and private equity, rather than solely subsidized public projects.

In North Africa, Morocco is leveraging capital markets to finance major infrastructure ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The government plans a euro-denominated bond, its first since 2023, to raise roughly $2 billion for transport upgrades, stadium modernization, deep-sea ports, desalination plants, and green energy projects.

Lawmakers set a $6 billion foreign-debt ceiling for 2025, with one-third expected from bonds and the remainder from bilateral and institutional partners. Morocco also leads Africa in sustainable finance.

It accounts for over 97 percent of the continent’s green bond issuance, including a 2022 Pound 92 million wind-powered high-speed rail bond. Central bank allocations allow 10% of reserves in green or sustainable bonds.

Egypt has focused on investor diversification. In October 2025, the government priced a $1.5 billion dual-tranche sukuk that attracted orders exceeding $9 billion.

Project-led financing is also reshaping frontier markets. In Mozambique, energy companies led by Eni reached a final investment decision on the Coral North FLNG project in 2025. However, according to Joshua, this model is both an opportunity and a test.

“Successful mobilization of local capital could reduce dependence on foreign borrowing, lower debt-service pressures, and catalyze a more resilient, investable market ecosystem.” “Conversely, failure to implement robust regulatory, fiscal, and operational frameworks risks disappointing investors and could undermine confidence in both local capital markets and broader economic reforms,” he added.

(bird story agency) .

Moshi. Experts from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) have established a base at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Barafu area, to conduct a thorough investigation into the Kilimedair rescue helicopter crash that killed five people.

A statement issued on Thursday, December 25, by Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa, the crash occurred on December 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

, as the helicopter was en route to pick up patients on Mount Kilimanjaro. Commander Maigwa said the helicopter was carrying five people: two tourists from the Czech Republic, two Tanzanian nationals (a tourist guide, and a doctor), and a pilot from Zimbabwe.

All died in the crash. Speaking on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in Moshi, Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) Commissioner Musa Kuji said the cause of the crash remains unknown.

He added that TCAA and TAA officials are at the scene investigating the circumstances of the accident. Commissioner Kuji identified the deceased as David Plos (30) and Anna Plosova (30), both Czech nationals.

Others are a Zimbabwean pilot residing in Soweto, Moshi, Constantine Mazonde (42), a doctor with Kilimedair and resident of Rau, Moshi, Jimmy Daniel (32), a tourist guide, and Innocent Mbaga. “On December 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.

m., at the Barafu Guest Camp within Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi District, a Kilimedair rescue helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of five people, one woman and four men,” said Mr Kuji.

He added that the tourists had begun their climb on December 20, 2025, via the Machame route with Mikaya Tours on a six-day expedition. “It was a normal tourism expedition, and the incident occurred during their descent,” he said.

He further stated: “Before completing their six-day journey, on December 24, they were involved in the accident and died. The bodies of the deceased have been preserved at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Referral Hospital.

” Mr Kuji said diplomatic procedures are underway between the government and the Czech Republic embassy to determine the repatriation of the tourists’ bodies. “Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and cause of the crash.

Protocols will be followed between the government and the Czech Embassy regarding handling this matter, and once procedures are completed, we will provide updates,” he said. According to Tanapa, the helicopter involved was a Kilimedair Airbus AS350 B3 .

Vatican City. Pope Leo said in a Christmas Eve sermon on Wednesday that the story of Jesus being born in a stable because there was no room at an inn should remind Christians that refusing to help the poor and strangers today is tantamount to rejecting God himself.

Leo, who has made care for immigrants and the poor key themes of his early papacy, said Jesus’ birth showed God’s presence in every person as the pontiff led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics into Christmas at a Mass in St.

Peter’s Basilica. “On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person.

To refuse one is to refuse the other,” said the pope during the solemn service, attended by about 6,000 inside the basilica. Leo, the first U.

S.-born pope, is celebrating his first Christmas after being elected in May by the world’s cardinals to succeed the late Pope Francis.

The pope, who has criticized US President Donald Trump’s divisive immigrant crackdown, quoted a line from the late Pope Benedict XVI lamenting that the world does not care for children, the poor, or foreigners. “While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person,” said Leo, adding.

“Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God. Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple.

” Outside the basilica, about 5,000 people watched the service on screens from St. Peter’s Square, holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos under a hard rain in Rome.

Leo, 70, came outside to greet them before the start of the Mass. “I admire and respect and thank you for your courage and your wanting to be here this evening,” he said, “even in this weather.

” On Thursday, the pope will celebrate a Christmas Day Mass and deliver a twice-yearly “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message and blessing. .

Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. Meat prices across Tanzania have surged sharply amid seasonal supply and demand pressures, a survey by The Citizen shows.

The rise comes as Christians in the country join their fellow adherents globally today to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. The Citizen’s survey shows that in Dar es Salaam, beef prices that ranged from Sh10,000 to Sh12,000 per kilogramme earlier this month have climbed to as much as Sh15,000, an increase of between 16.7 and 36.4 percent.

In Dodoma, prices have risen from Sh10,000 to Sh12,000 per kilogramme, an average increase of 20 percent, despite falling cattle prices at auctions. Zanzibar is recording some of the highest prices, with beef selling for up to Sh17,000 per kilogramme, influenced by transport costs from the mainland.

The trend highlights how festive-season demand, combined with logistical and quality constraints in cattle supply, is translating into higher retail prices for consumers. Dar es Salaam vendors said they have recorded a steep rise in beef prices as Christmas draws closer, driven by various factors.

A meat vendor at Bahari Beach said a kilogramme is currently selling at Sh14,000, up from Sh12,000 just a week ago, a rise of about 16.7 percent. “Right now, meat prices have increased because of Christmas celebrations, which have sharply increased demand,” he said.

Gongo la Mboto resident Juma Ali said a kilogramme had reached Sh15,000 on Tuesday compared to Sh11,00012,000 three days earlier, a 36 percent increase. “This has prompted people to buy meat and store it because they do not know how high prices will go by Christmas Day,” he said.

Similarly, a resident of Rainbow, Mbezi Beach, Ms Christine Shayo, said meat prices have climbed to Sh14,000 per kilogramme, a level she described as burdensome for households preparing for Christmas. “The government should intervene to control meat prices, which appear to be rising daily as people approach religious festivities such as Christmas, Idd and Easter,” she said.

However, a slaughterhouse trader in Kimara Suka, Mr Issaya Zakaria, said they are currently selling beef at Sh12,000 per kilogramme, a price that has remained stable for most of December. He noted that between December 8 and 9, prices briefly rose to Sh15,000, a 25 percent increase, before stabilising again.

Mr Zakaria added that large and heavy cattle are currently bought at between Sh1.7 million and Sh1.8 million, while medium-weight animals sell for Sh700,000 to Sh1 million. Retail beef prices across Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods now range between Sh12,000 and Sh14,000. In Dodoma, prices in many butcheries have risen by Sh2,000 per kilogramme, from the previous Sh10,000 to Sh12,000, a 20 percent increase.

Butcheries at Sabasaba Market are among the few still selling at the old price of Sh10,000, while others charge Sh11,000. This rise has occurred despite falling cattle prices, attributed to shortages of pasture and water, which have forced herders to sell animals to reduce herd sizes. Butchery owner Mnyausi Njamasi said the main challenge is finding cattle of good quality.

“Although more cattle are being sold at auctions, many are thin. Taking such animals to butcheries would drive away customers, so traders spend more time and money searching for healthy stock,” he said.

In Zanzibar, a kilogramme of beef was yesterday selling for between Sh13,000 and Sh17,000, depending on the cut. A meat vendor in Kwerekwe, Mr Khamis Khamis, said prices vary according to whether customers want mixed cuts or steak.

“Meat prices in Zanzibar are affected by transport costs, as cattle are brought from mainland Tanzania. This explains why prices are slightly higher,” he said.

In Mbeya, beef in some butcheries has risen significantly, from Sh12,000 to Sh14,000 per kilogramme, depending on quality. The increase is also attributed to limited cattle availability and higher transport costs.

In contrast, beef prices in Arusha have remained stable, with reports saying as of yesterday, one kilogramme is still selling at Sh13,000, unchanged from previous months. In Mwanza, beef prices have remained normal, with one kilogramme selling at Sh11,000. Traders, however, report reduced customer numbers, affecting businesses and keeping the market subdued.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Tanzania Meat Board (TMB) Marketing Officer Jeremiah Ikangala said the board manages, coordinates and develops the meat industry in Tanzania. On price ceilings, he said TMB addresses factors influencing increases.

“During Christmas and other festivities, demand for meat typically exceeds supply, leading to higher prices. Once the festive period ends, demand is expected to decline and align with supply, resulting in price stabilisation,” he said.

Additional reporting by Habel Chidawali (Dodoma), Elieziel Mgeta (Mwanza), Hawa Mathias (Mbeya), Janeth Mushi (Arusha) and Jesse Mikofu (Zanzibar) .

Dar es Salaam. Natural gas production and consumption in Tanzania fell sharply in the year ended June 2025, according to the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report.

The report shows that natural gas production declined by 25.7 per cent to 61,495.6 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF), while consumption dropped by 25.5 per cent to 59,822.0 MMSCF compared with the previous year. The BoT attributes the decline largely to reduced use of gas in power generation following the commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).

With the new hydropower plant significantly boosting electricity supply, demand for gas-fired power generation fell, leading to lower overall natural gas consumption and production. Power-generating plants remained the largest consumers of gas, accounting for 75.2 per cent of total consumption, while industrial users made up 23.9 per cent and other sectors consumed a minimal share.

The report notes that the reduction reflects a shift in the country’s energy mix rather than an economic slowdown. Greater reliance on hydropower has eased pressure on gas resources and altered long-standing consumption patterns within the energy sector.

Overall, domestic electricity generation increased by 19.5 per cent to 12,728.8 Gigawatt hours (GWh) due to expanded economic activity and rural electrification. Growth was particularly notable in the South Eastern and Lake zones, driven by the operationalisation of the JNHPP and the Rusumo hydropower plant.

Conversely, electricity generation in Dar es Salaam declined as thermal power was replaced by hydropower from JNHPP. Meanwhile, production in the Northern, Central and Southern Highlands zones fell due to ongoing rehabilitation works at Hale, Kidatu, Kihansi and Mtera power stations.

In September, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (Pura) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said the drop does not indicate weakening prospects for the sector. Natural gas remains vital to Tanzania’s economic growth, supporting industry, transport, households and the government’s clean cooking initiatives.

Pura Director General Charles Sangweni told The Citizen that while Tanesco has historically been the main gas consumer, new demand is emerging. “We are implementing the clean cooking agenda and natural gas is among the renewable energies where demand will grow,” he said, adding that Pura will continue to explore petroleum resources and foster a favourable environment for investors.

He noted that natural gas will play a key role in Vision 2050, which aims for a $1 trillion economy powered by diverse renewable sources. TPDC Acting Director for Petroleum and Gas Business Gilbert Emmanuel said the decline was expected as hydropower capacity expanded, stressing that transitioning supply from Tanesco to new customers takes time.

“For example, a factory must first be built and equipped to use gas–it is not a matter of Tanesco releasing gas today and another customer immediately taking over,” he explained. TPDC is seeking customers in fertiliser production, industry, households and transport.

Mini-LNG technologies are also being explored to supply gas to areas beyond pipeline reach. Earlier this year, TPDC Production Manager Felix Nanguka said discussions with companies interested in mini-LNG were advanced.

“Transporting natural gas via pipeline is expensive. Once finalised, regions beyond pipeline reach will be able to access gas through these technologies,” he said.

TPDC is also in talks with Uganda on constructing a pipeline along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) corridor, opening another potential export market. Despite the shifts in consumption, Tanzania’s gas sector has recorded strong revenue growth.

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show earnings rose from $55.1 million in 2020 to $144.1 million in 2024, a 161 per cent increase. .