Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Every year, the government reiterates its commitment to end water shortages and rationing in Dar es Salaam.

Ministers tour projects, billions of shillings are announced and timelines are set. Yet for many residents, the reality remains unchanged, that is dry taps, long queues at boreholes and water bills for services never received.

Despite repeated assurances and heavy financial investment, water scarcity continues to define daily life in large parts of Tanzania’s commercial capital. According to the Ministry of Water, Dar es Salaam’s daily water demand stands at about 770 million litres, while the production capacity is 534 million litres per day.

In practice that is approximately 66.7 percent of the demand, on average, for 16 hours per day. More than 40 percent of the city has no access to the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) pipeline network, forcing residents to depend on boreholes, vendors, or rationed supply.

According to Dawasa, only about 20 percent of residents, largely in parts of Kinondoni, Ilala and Ubungo, receive water for 20 to 24 hours a day. The majority rely on a rationed supply lasting between eight and 16 hours or none at all.

“The water demand for residents of Dar es Salaam averages 770,000 cubic metres, while the production capacity is 534,000 cubic metres per day, so you see there is a difference of around 200,000 in that,” Ministry of Water Permanent Secretary Mwajuma Waziri told The Citizen by telephone. Data from the ministry shows Temeke District remains the most underserved, with only 10 percent pipeline coverage, largely due to the distance from Ruvu water sources and decades of unplanned settlement growth since the 1980s.

Residents are asking: Why does the crisis persist despite years of investment and planning? Ms Waziri added that the government is currently implementing both short-term and long-term plans, including maintenance of Kimbiji Phase Two and rehabilitating 12 wells in Kigamboni and expansion of production at Lower and Upper Ruvu, among others. “Some of the boreholes, 12 in total, are not operational right now and these boreholes produce between 10,000 and 40,000 cubic metres of water,” she added.

Long-term plans include the Rufiji River project, where the government is now seeking funding to extract and distribute water from there. During a recent inspection tour of several areas, including Kimara, Bunju, Kawe, Mwananyamala and the University of Dar es Salaam, Water minister Jumaa Aweso acknowledged uneven access.

“We have seen areas where tanks are full and water is available, but there are still places where services have not reached. All areas will be reached,” he said.

Similar assurances have been made year after year. On national television, the minister outlined familiar solutions, including completion of the Kidunda Dam, expansion of production at Lower Ruvu, drilling of boreholes, rollout of Phase Two of the Kimbiji project and implementation of a National Water Grid.

These strategies are not new. What remains unclear is why their impact on ordinary households has been so limited.

In March 2025, Dawasa announced that Sh1.19 trillion had been invested in water and sanitation projects over four years under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration. The authority reports Sh796.19 billion invested in clean water projects, S00.91 billion in sanitation, Sh344.67 billion worth of projects completed and Sh852.43 billion worth of projects ongoing.

Dawasa also reports gains such as increased production capacity, expanded pipeline networks, higher storage capacity and a rise in water access from 89 percent to 93 percent. In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan allocated Sh25 billion for the implementation of a project to drill 10 boreholes in the Kigamboni area, of which seven boreholes by then supplied 70 million litres of water per day.

Yet these improvements have not translated into consistent water access for a large share of the city’s population. For residents in areas such as Sinza, Mbagala, Ubungo, Tegeta and Temeke, water rationing remains routine.

Speaking on national television on Friday, December 19, Dawasa Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mkama Bwire, said the authority is managing rationing schedules and educating residents on supply days to allow planning. But rationing itself has become normalised, not temporary.

Residents report water failing to reach homes even on scheduled days, while monthly bills remain unchanged. The contradiction is stark, rationed water, unreliable delivery and standard billing, leaving citizens wondering if it is climate change or governance gaps.

“This really makes me so angry to the point that my chest hurts. What kind of lies are thesewhat is the real problem? The water does not come out at all, yet I have been given a bill that is exactly the same as the usual month, Sh35,000,” shared Leilah John, a Sinza E resident.

“Honestly! Do you know how it feels to carry water buckets in this heat? Some of us are already exhausted. I am tired, truly I am tired,” another added.

Government officials increasingly cite climate change, drought and environmental degradation in the Ruvu River catchment as key drivers of water shortages. These factors are real and documented.

However, climate change alone does not explain decades-long underinvestment in pipeline expansion, delayed completion of flagship projects, reliance on short-term borehole solutions or even lack of accountability when targets are missed. According to the water minister, the Kidunda Dam, now presented as the permanent solution, is expected to start receiving water by April 2026, years after water rationing cycles became routine.

Valued at over Sh329 billion, the Kidunda Dam is expected to store 190 billion litres and stabilise supply to Upper and Lower Ruvu plants, which serve more than 80 per cent of Dawasa’s service area. The dam is projected to support a population of 11.39 million people by 2032, when daily demand could exceed 1.

028 billion litres. But residents are asking why must the city wait decades for permanent solutions while temporary fixes fail year after year? “There are times I feel like crying.

I carry water while also carrying a small child on my back, my whole chest hurts and I’m just waiting for them to bring their bill,” noted Nasra Juma, a resident of Kimacha, Changanyikeni. Beyond statistics and speeches lies public frustration.

In many neighbourhoods, residents describe exhaustion carrying water long distances, waking at night to fill containers and paying bills that do not reflect actual service delivery. .

Dar es Salaam. When Christmas comes, it is normally an active season characterised by vibrant gatherings, generous spending and public festivities, but this year, it may not be business as usual.

Heightened security and fear of political violence caused by the emotional aftermath of events that unfolded during and after the October 29 elections, have become some of the key features of the celebrations. As a result, the festive season has become less about celebrations and more about reflection.

While economic hardship and national challenges have dimmed the usual festive sparkle, they have also prompted renewed calls for unity, compassion, and lasting change–values many hope will extend well beyond the holiday season and into the year ahead. In Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub, the slowdown is clearly visible.

Shopkeeper Musa Juma, who runs a shop in Bunju, said customer traffic has been lower than in previous years. Items traditionally associated with Christmas new clothes, decorations, and special food products are moving slowly off shelves.

“Business has been quiet this year,” he said, adding that families are choosing smaller, quieter celebrations. “I think people are being very careful with their money and mostly celebrating at home with close relatives,” he said.

His observation reflects a broader trend across the city, where high living costs and economic uncertainties have forced households to prioritise essential needs over festive spending. Restaurants, entertainment venues, and event organisers have also reported fewer bookings compared to previous Christmas seasons.

The subdued mood extends beyond the commercial capital. In Arusha, usually a lively destination during the holiday season, people have reported scaling back festive activities.

University student Joseph Nelson noted that some social and recreational events that were planned for Christmas were cancelled. “This year feels very different.

People are more cautious, and there is less excitement in the air,” he said. “People are focusing on essentials rather than celebrations,” said Dar es Salaam-based boda-boda rider Peter Kessi, adding that priorities within households have shifted significantly.

“Food, school needs, and rent come first. Christmas is still there, but in a much smaller way.

” Dar es Salaam-based small business owner Rose Makongoro echoed similar sentiments, noting a sharp decline in sales related to the festive season. “This year, very few families are shopping for new clothes or special food products linked to Christmas,” she said.

Beyond economic challenges, religious leaders across are calling for reflection, reconciliation, and a recommitment to national unity. The Archbishop of the Mennonite Church, Mr Nelson Kisare, said Tanzania has been deeply shaken by the events of October 29, which he noted have affected peace, solidarity, and trust among citizens.

“As a nation, we must reflect on what brought us here,” Archbishop Kisare told The Citizen. “No single person has all the answers.

We must sit together, speak with love and trust, and seek reconciliation not by force, but collectively,” he added. He emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved through love, tolerance, and open dialogue.

At the same time, he warned against silencing voices, saying suppression only deepens wounds. “Suppression is cruelty,” he said, stressing that freedom of expression should always be exercised responsibly and within the law.

Similarly, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese, Dr Benson Bagonza, urged believers and society at large to live out Christmas values beyond December 25. He argued that celebrations have become brief and superficial, failing to reflect the daily realities many Tanzanians face. “Christmas should be a time of self-giving, care, and lasting love,” Bishop Bagonza said.

“But for many, it has become about nice clothes for one day and special meals for one day, while life returns to hardship immediately after.” He questioned why generosity and unity appear only during the festive season.

“Some decorate their houses only at Christmas. Some go to church and give large offerings on Christmas Day, despite not attending all year,” he said.

According to the bishop, Christmas has increasingly become “a festival of pretence”, driven by promotional discounts and one-day acts of kindness that quickly fade. He called on individuals, institutions, and leaders to make compassion and justice a continuous practice rather than a seasonal performance.

Mental health professionals have also highlighted the emotional toll the year’s events have taken on individuals and families. Therapist Charles Kalungu said the government and community leaders have a responsibility to support healing through inclusive and compassionate programmes.

“Many people are not emotionally stable,” he said. “Leaders, especially during the festive season, should preach peace and avoid harsh language.

Healing takes time, and words matter,” he said. Psychologist Modesta Kimunga noted that families affected by disasters, violence, or loss face long-term mental health challenges that do not disappear with the holidays.

She urged Tanzanians to acknowledge the difficult period they have endured and focus on rebuilding their lives with patience and mutual support. “Those who lost loved ones need time, understanding, and people to talk to,” she said.

She encouraged the use of faith, family support, counselling, and constructive activities as part of the healing process, especially for children and young people. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Olympic Committee TOC has expressed satisfaction with the performance and level of participation shown by Tanzania youth teams at the recently concluded Africa Youth Games held in Luanda Angola.

Tanzania was represented in two sporting disciplines swimming and table tennis with the young athletes delivering encouraging performances against strong continental competition. According to TOC official, Furaha Mwita, the exposure gained at the Games is considered an important step in the long term development of young athletes as the country continues to invest in youth sport.

In swimming Tanzania was represented by two swimmers Austin Okore and Filbertha Demello. Both swimmers competed in several events and demonstrated determination despite facing stiff competition from some of Africa’s strongest swimming nations.

Filbertha Demello competed in five events which included 50 metres backstroke 100 metres backstroke 50 metres freestyle 100 metres freestyle and 50 metres butterfly. Out of these events she recorded her best performance in one event where she came very close to qualifying for the final.

Demello finished ninth out of 32 competitors overall and was placed as a reserve. She competed in the third heat out of four heats with each heat having eight swimmers.

She clocked an entry time of 31.10 seconds and completed the race in 32.96 seconds. Had she managed to finish eighth she would have qualified for the final.

Despite narrowly missing out her performance was considered commendable given the level of competition. Austin Okore also took part in five swimming events namely 50 metres breaststroke 100 metres breaststroke 50 metres freestyle 100 metres freestyle and 50 metres butterfly.

Similar to his teammate he managed his strongest performance in one event where he finished ninth overall and was placed on the reserve list. Okore competed against 24 swimmers and was drawn in the first heat out of three heats with eight swimmers in each.

He entered the race with a time of 1 minute 12.73 seconds and finished in 1 minute 15.21 seconds. A top eight finish would have earned him a place in the final.

His effort however was praised as a positive learning experience at international level. In table tennis Tanzania was represented by Qutbuddin Mohammed Taherali who delivered one of the country’s standout performances at the Games.

Competing in the single boys category Qutbuddin advanced to the quarterfinals after an impressive run that included a match against Rwanda. His achievement marked a significant milestone for Tanzania table tennis at youth level.

Table tennis coach Masoud Mtalaso credited the performance to discipline preparation and growing international exposure. He noted that reaching the quarterfinal stage at such a major event reflects progress and potential for future success.

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Dar es Salaam. Newly appointed Simba Sports Club head coach Steve Barker is expected to join the team before the end of this month, arriving alongside his assistants as he prepares to take charge of one of Tanzania’s most demanding football jobs, The Citizen has learned.

According to a club official, the South African tactician is scheduled to arrive in the country around December 28, shortly after the Christmas festivities. Upon arrival, Barker will immediately integrate into the team’s preparations for upcoming competitions.

“Based on our timetable, the coach will arrive shortly after Christmas, possibly on Boxing Day or December 28,” the source said. “He has been given full authority to join the team and begin work straight away.

” The official added that Barker has indicated he will initially work with the current technical bench led by Seleman Matola, while retaining the mandate to make decisions regarding the structure of his backroom staff at a later stage. “For now, he will work with the existing technical bench under Matola and alongside his own assistants.

Any further decisions on the technical team will be made after he has fully settled in,” the source explained. Once in Dar es Salaam, Barker is expected to take charge of training sessions as Simba gear up for a demanding schedule that includes the Mapinduzi Cup, the CAF Champions League, the Tanzania Mainland Premier League and the CRDB Federation Cup.

Barker replaces Dimitar Pantev, whose tenure lasted just 61 days, and now faces two defining challenges that will shape his time at the club. The first is ending Simba’s prolonged domestic title drought, while the second is rescuing a faltering CAF Champions League campaign.

Simba have gone four consecutive seasons without winning the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, a hurdle that has proven too high for several coaches before Barker. Since lifting the title in the 2020 to 2021 season under Didier Gomes, a succession of tacticians have failed to restore domestic dominance.

Gomes lasted 280 days, followed by Pablo Franco, Roberto Oliveira Robertinho, Abdelhak Benchikha and Fadlu Davids. None managed to stop the rise of arch rivals Young Africans, who have dominated the league and claimed six consecutive victories over Simba across competitions between the 2021 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 seasons.

Simba’s struggles have also extended to knockout competitions. Over the past four seasons, the Msimbazi Reds have failed to reach the CRDB Federation Cup final, while Yanga collected multiple titles during the same period.

Simba’s only silverware since their last league title has been the Community Shield in 2023 and the Muungano Cup in 2024, achievements that have done little to calm growing fan frustration. On the continental stage, Barker inherits a difficult situation.

Simba are winless after two matches in CAF Champions League Group D, leaving their quarterfinal hopes hanging in the balance. Two decisive fixtures against Esperance of Tunisia, away on January 23 and at home on January 30, now loom large.

While continental progress is vital, Barker’s long term task will be restoring belief at home and reconnecting Simba with their supporters. With patience wearing thin and expectations sky high, results will be demanded quickly.

Despite the pressure, Simba’s leadership believes Barker’s track record makes him the right man for the job. At Stellenbosch FC, he delivered the most successful spell in the club’s history, highlighted by victory in the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup and qualification for CAF competitions.

Now in Dar es Salaam, Barker faces a familiar challenge on a bigger stage: building structure, instilling belief and delivering results in an unforgiving environment where success is not optional but expected. .

Dar es Salaam. The Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, Cardinal-designate Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi, has announced that Cardinal Polycarp Pengo is facing health challenges and will travel abroad for specialised medical treatment.

In a pastoral circular dated December 24, 2025, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said the retired Archbishop of Dar es Salaam had already received medical care locally, but doctors recommended further treatment abroad. “Efforts have been made to provide him with medical care locally.

However, it has been deemed necessary for him to travel abroad for more specialised treatment,” Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said in a statement addressed to priests, religious, and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese. He added that arrangements had been finalised for Cardinal Pengo to receive treatment in India and that he was expected to depart in the coming days.

“Consequently, arrangements have been made for him to receive medical care in India. We expect that he will leave in the coming days for this purpose,” the Archbishop noted.

Archbishop Ruwa’ichi called on Catholics and people of goodwill to support the cardinal with prayers and goodwill during his treatment. “I invite you all to join together in accompanying him with prayers and good wishes,” he said.

Cardinal Pengo, who served as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from February 12, 1992, until his retirement on August 15, 2019, is one of Tanzania’s most senior Catholic clerics and has played a prominent role in church leadership at both national and continental levels. In his message, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the faithful, wishing them “a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026”.

The circular was signed by Archbishop Ruwa’ichi and countersigned by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Vincent Mpwaji. .

Dar es Salaam. The government plans to develop Mloganzila into a national health and pharmaceutical investment hub, following directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to concentrate major health-sector investments in the area.

Health minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the government has already received instructions from the President to guide investors to Mloganzila, citing the availability of extensive land suitable for large-scale pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing. “We have received clear directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to direct investors to Mloganzila because we have a very large area there,” Mr Mchengerwa said.

“We expect to sit down with the Ministry of Education, the leadership of Muhimbili and Mloganzila to agree on how we can develop it.” The minister said the government wants to emulate models seen in other countries, where specialised industrial clusters are developed around a single sector.

Under the plan, Mloganzila would be transformed into a health centre hosting research institutions, training facilities and factories for medicines and medical devices. He said integrating education, research and production would allow students to combine academic learning with practical exposure to modern technology, while supporting innovation and skills development in the health sector.

The initiative forms part of the Pharmaceutical Acceleration Strategy, which aims to fast-track investment in local drug manufacturing by removing structural bottlenecks, including delays in licensing, regulatory approvals and taxation decisions. However, industry players say policy reforms must go beyond infrastructure to address market access and protection.

The Tanzania Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TPMA) chairperson, Mr Bashiru Haroon, said many local drug factories are operating under heavy debt as imported medicines continue to dominate the domestic market. “Our market has become a dumping ground for imported medicines that can be produced locally,” Mr Haroon said.

“This has weakened domestic industries, yet we currently contribute only about 10 percent of the national medicine supply.” He said doubts about the capacity of local manufacturers persist despite improvements in quality and compliance, limiting their participation in public procurement.

Mr Haroon called for reforms at the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to ensure procurement systems favour qualified local manufacturers. “The entire procurement system for medicines should be aligned with a protection policy for domestic industries,” he said, adding that such measures should be incorporated into the Public Procurement Act and supported by clear regulatory frameworks.

Manufacturers also said local investors should be prioritised in incentive schemes under the Tanzania Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). They mention domestic manufacturers face a long chain of taxes, levies and fees at the start of production, costs that often delay or discourage investment.

“When a local investor is starting production, the number of taxes and charges becomes a serious obstacle,” he said. Minister Mchengerwa said the government recognises concerns around protection and incentives and has begun reviewing relevant policies.

He added that strengthening local manufacturing is not only an industrial objective but also a public health priority. He said substandard and expired medical products remain a risk to public health, noting that promoting quality local manufacturing would help lower medicine costs, stimulate investment and improve health security.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, displayed remarkable grit and determination but ultimately fell short in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), losing 2-1 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Fes Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Played under relentless rain on December 23, 2025, the game was a testament to Tanzania’s fighting spirit as they sought to make a statement against one of Africa’s strongest sides. The match carried emotional weight for Tanzania, eager to avenge a painful 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in Lagos back in 1980, a loss that remains a sore point in their football history.

The match was intense, physical, and full of moments of resilience from the Taifa Stars, who refused to give up despite the odds. Nigeria, renowned for their experience and technical prowess, started the game strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances.

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute, rounding goalkeeper Zuberi Foba but was denied by a last-ditch clearance from a Tanzanian defender. Nigeria’s pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute when Alex Iwobi sent in a precise cross that Semi Ajayi headed into the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Refusing to be overwhelmed, Tanzania responded after the break with renewed energy. Their persistence was rewarded five minutes into the second half when Charles M’Mombwa latched onto a high cross from Novatus Miroshi, beating the offside trap and volleying into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The Tanzanian fans erupted with excitement, dreaming of a historic upset.

The game intensified as both sides battled fiercely for control. Tanzania’s attacking efforts kept Nigeria’s defense on edge, and they created several promising opportunities.

However, Nigeria’s resilience and experience proved decisive. In the 62nd minute, Ademola Lookman showcased his individual brilliance, twisting past defenders and unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that found the back of the net, restoring Nigeria’s lead at 2-1. Despite late efforts from Tanzania to equalize, including a close-range volley from Kelvin John and a wild shot from Ibrahim Hamad, they could not find the net again.

Nigeria’s disciplined defense held firm in the pouring rain, securing their victory and three crucial points in Group C. For Tanzania, the performance was a mixture of resilience and missed chances.

Their relentless effort and attacking intent suggest they will be a tough opponent in upcoming fixtures. However, their AFCON campaign now extends to ten matches without a win, with three draws and seven losses–an uphill battle they aim to turn around.

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Dar es Salaam. Rising global gold prices have raised optimism for Tanzania’s economy, with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) saying the precious metal remains a strategic asset that can strengthen exports, foreign exchange reserves and overall economic stability.

Gold prices climbed to a record high of $4,410 per ounce on Monday, December 22, 2025, from about $4,100 an ounce recorded last month, according to data from GoldPrice.org.

The website shows prices have risen by between 5 and 8 percent over the past month, translating into gains of $300 to $336 per ounce. The surge has been driven by strong investor demand for safe-haven assets amid expectations of US interest rate cuts, geopolitical tensions and a weaker US dollar.

Speaking to The Citizen, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said gold plays a dual role as both a commodity and a financial instrument, enhancing Tanzania’s economic position. “Increased gold exports bring in foreign currency, which can help improve the current account balance,” he said.

Mr Tutuba noted that higher prices are also good news for mining companies, whose production costs typically range between $1,000 and $2,000 per ounce. “At these elevated prices, companies enjoy strong margins, increased cash flow and the capacity to reinvest, pay off debts and expand operations.

Shareholders also benefit through higher dividends, making mining stocks more attractive,” he said. He added that large producers such as Barrick Gold and AngloGold Ashanti are particularly well placed to benefit, as most of their fixed costs are already covered, meaning price increases translate directly into profits.

“Gold is a strategic economic asset for Tanzania. It boosts exports, improves the balance of payments and supports broader economic stability,” Mr Tutuba said.

Independent financial analyst Mr Oscar Mkude said gold prices have been on a steady upward trend over the past two years, an unusual pattern that reflects a shift in how the metal is perceived. “Traditionally valued for its preciousness, gold is increasingly being treated as a store of value,” he said.

“Investors tend to hold onto gold when confidence in currency markets is low. Even as the global economy gradually stabilises, gold continues to attract attention as a safer asset.

” Mr Mkude noted that the trend is particularly beneficial for gold-producing countries such as Tanzania, offering them a stronger economic position than in the past. However, he cautioned that gold production cannot be scaled up instantly to take advantage of high prices, meaning timing remains critical for miners.

Another independent analyst, Mr Christopher Makombe, said gold is currently Tanzania’s leading export earner, with revenues exceeding $4.3 billion in 2025. He added that a further rise in prices to around $4,500 per ounce would significantly boost export earnings. “Higher export revenue strengthens foreign exchange reserves, supports import payments and can help stabilise the Tanzanian shilling,” he said.

Mr Makombe added that rising gold prices would help narrow the current account deficit by offsetting import costs and easing pressure on external borrowing. He also said the government stands to benefit through increased royalties, taxes and export duties from the mining sector.

“With more revenue, the government may have greater capacity to fund public services, infrastructure, health and education, depending on fiscal policy and how the revenues are managed,” he said. He noted that mining already contributes about 10 percent of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product and a sustained rise in gold prices could support higher output and stronger economic growth, particularly if investment in the sector expands.

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Kiambu. On a chilly evening in Kinale, a village in Kiambu County’s highland farming zone northwest of Nairobi, Mr Zachary Kabiri walks through his plot, inspecting neat rows of bell peppers and other vegetables.

Today, irrigation pipes snake across the fields, and freshly harvested produce is swiftly transferred to cold storage. These small but significant changes are quietly transforming how farmers in the area cope with climate stress and market volatility.

“We started with tomatoes, but when many farmers harvest at the same time, prices drop so low that you cannot even recover the costs,” said Mr Kabiri, a farmer and chairperson of the Kinale Cooperative, which was formed in March 2025. He added: “This time, we focused on the right varieties and crops that the market actually wants.” Kinale farmers are increasingly turning to irrigation, greenhouse farming, and cold-chain technologies to reduce losses caused by erratic rainfall, temperature swings, and poor post-harvest handling.

The shift is supported by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chains (ACES) through its Specialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishment (SPOKE), implemented by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). For many smallholders, climate change has become a daily reality rather than a distant concept.

Rainfall seasons are no longer predictable, cold spells affect flowering, and quality can change within days. “This is supposed to be the short rain season, but there has been no rain so far.

Soil moisture, flowering, everything is affected,” said Mr Kabiri. To cope, some farmers have invested in boreholes and solar-powered pumps, while others use drip irrigation systems to maintain production even when rains fail.

Greenhouses are also helping farmers manage temperature stress and pests, especially for high-value crops. The cooperative now focuses on broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, onions, and spinach, crops that can generate better returns on shrinking land sizes.

“Land is becoming smaller because of inheritance. We decided to grow high-value crops that can give better returns on small pieces of land,” explained Mr Kabiri.

However, production alone does not guarantee income. Head of Operations Kenya SpokeACTS Amon Gachuri says in Kenya, post-harvest losses for horticultural produce can exceed 40 percent, largely due to a lack of cold storage and long transport distances.

In Kinale, farmers say losses used to occur within hours of harvest. “Before, cabbage and spinach would wither and lose weight,” said a farmer and receiving and dispatch clerk at the cooperative, Ms Elizabeth Gitau.

She added, “But when the cold room comes, the produce rotates with cooling, and there is no loss.” Under the ACES-supported model, harvested produce is weighed, sorted, and graded according to market specifications, then placed in solar-powered cold rooms for pre-cooling to remove field heat.

When orders are ready, produce is dispatched using refrigerated trucks set at controlled temperatures. “When the produce comes in, we first put it in the cold room for pre-cooling,” said an engineer monitoring the cold rooms, Mr Brian Njeri.

“After that, we arrange it in the cold room and dispatch based on inventory using a refrigerated truck set at about four degrees Celsius,” he added. The cold room in Kinale has a capacity of about five metric tonnes and operates using solar energy, lowering operating costs while reducing emissions.

Over the past six months, ACES estimates that losses among 84 cooperative members have dropped by an average of 5.8 metric tonnes per farmer, while incomes have increased by up to 50 percent.

Market access has been another critical change. Instead of relying on brokers who dictate prices, farmers sell collectively through cooperatives linked to formal buyers such as hotels, institutions, and processors.

Quality standards are strict, but prices are significantly better. “For cabbage, a broker buys at KSh20 (S00), but we buy at KSh30 (Sh600),” said Ms Gitau, adding.

“We consider the grade and quality, and that is why the farmer gets a higher price.” Mr Kabiri said the cooperative sells cabbages at between KSh35 (Sh700) and KSh60 (Sh1,200), compared with KSh15 to KSh20 in open markets.

“The market wants first-class quality. They specify the size they want.

Produce below that size must find other local markets,” he said. Financially, the cooperative retains 20 percent of sales to cover operations, while farmers receive 80 percent.

“For every Sh100 we sell, Sh80 (Sh1,600) goes to the farmer, and Sh20 is for the cooperative,” said Mr Kabiri. Naomi Kabiri, a farmer, poses for a photo at one of her farms.

The cooperative has retained about Sh800,000 (Sh16 million) in cumulative profit, which is being reinvested to expand services and attract more members. Beyond infrastructure, ACES operates under the Clean Cooling Network (CCN), a hybrid model that combines physical SPOKE sites like Kinale with digital learning platforms, online knowledge repositories, and peer-to-peer exchange spaces.

Through CCN, lessons from Kinale are documented and shared with farmers, policymakers, and practitioners across Kenya and the wider region. Mr Kabiri said, “Capacity building has been central to the approach.

“The board members were ordinary farmers. ACTS has assisted us with training on management, record-keeping, and cooperative governance.

” The Kinale Cooperative has grown from 25 founding members to 208 farmers drawn from five wards. It is managed by a seven-member board representing different areas and supported by quality-control clerks and an accountant.

Women and youth have found new employment opportunities in sorting, grading, and logistics. Climate challenges such as fog, mist, and cold spells still affect colour and quality, while pest management requires careful monitoring.

Cold rooms monitoring engineers, Mr Brian Njeri (left), Ms Elizabeth Gitau, and Ms Teresiah Njuguna in a collective photo in front of a cold storage facility under their management located in Kinale, Kiambu County, Kenya, recently. “If the climate is foggy, the colour changes and the market is affected.

But farmers in greenhouses are less affected,” said a cooperative member, Ms Teresiah Njuguna. Despite these challenges, farmers say irrigation, cold storage, and organised markets have restored a sense of control.

“Before, I had no choice but to accept the broker’s price. But now I have a choice,” said Ms Gitau.

Similar systems are emerging elsewhere, including through agribusinesses such as TAWI, which links more than 2,000 smallholder farmers to markets using cold rooms, refrigerated trucks, and digital coordination. “Because we are dealing with fresh produce, the cold chain is very important.

Handled at the right temperatures, from the farm to the client, you reduce losses and protect income,” said TAWI founder Chero Tutto. For Kinale farmers, the combination of irrigation, technology, and collective action is changing farming from a gamble into a planned enterprise.

“Since May this year, we have not even able to meet market demand. Now we are preparing to do even better farming,” said Mr Kabiri.

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Immigrant rights advocates have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision last month to end the temporary protections from deportation granted to more than 200 South Sudanese nationals. Four migrants from South Sudan, along with the non-profit African Communities Together, alleged in a lawsuit filed in Boston federal court on Monday that the U.

S. Department of Homeland Security was unlawfully putting them at risk of losing their temporary protected status after January 5.

That status, known as TPS, is available to people whose home countries have experienced natural disasters, armed conflicts or other extraordinary events. It provides eligible migrants with work authorisation and temporary protection from deportation.

The lawsuit argues the agency’s action violated the statute governing the TPS program, ignored the dire humanitarian conditions that remain in South Sudan, and was motivated by discrimination against migrants who are not white in violation of the U.S.

Constitution’s Fifth Amendment. “This pattern reveals the administration’s true agenda: stripping protections from immigrant communities of color regardless of the dangers they face,” Amaha Kassa, the executive director of African Communities Together, said in a statement.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. South Sudan has faced repeated bouts of violent conflict since 2011, with a civil war between 2013 and 2018 killing 400,000 people.

The United States began designating South Sudan for TPS in 2011. About 232 South Sudanese nationals have been beneficiaries of TPS and have found refuge in the United States, and another 73 have pending applications for that same protection, according to the lawsuit. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, on November 5, published a notice terminating TPS for South Sudan, saying the country no longer met the conditions for the designation.

She did so after her department moved to similarly end temporary protections extended to foreign nationals from countries including Syria, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua, prompting several court challenges. .