Category: The Citizen

Tanzania’s drive to shift households and institutions towards electric cooking has reached 14 million people, as the government and development partners push to make the technology more affordable, reliable and accessible.

The milestone was announced by the UK-supported Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) eCooking Scale and Support Programme, which has also helped 36 schools adopt electric cooking technologies and trained 460 technicians to support the emerging clean cooking market.

The programme has expanded awareness of electric cooking, improved access to financing and increased the availability of cooking technologies across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The progress comes as Tanzania implements its National Clean Cooking Strategy, which seeks to accelerate the transition from traditional cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood to cleaner alternatives.

Director of Clean Cooking at the ministry of Energy, Nolasco Mlay, said the programme had demonstrated that electricity could provide a reliable clean cooking option for households and institutions.

He said the initiative had also generated data that could guide policy and encourage investment as demand for modern cooking solutions increases.

‘The programme strengthened confidence in electric cooking technology and generated valuable data that will help guide future policy decisions,’ he said.

Mr Mlay said electric cooking was an important component of the country’s wider clean cooking strategy, alongside liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, ethanol and improved biomass technologies.

He said the government was working to create a policy environment capable of attracting investment, encouraging innovation and strengthening cooperation between development partners, financial institutions and private companies.

He also sought to address concerns over the cost and reliability of electricity, saying the government was working to ensure a stable power supply.

‘One of the programme’s key objectives was to change the perception that cooking with electricity is expensive. The government is working to ensure a reliable electricity supply so that households can depend on electric cooking without disruptions,’ he said.

Stakeholders are also exploring battery-based backup systems that could allow electric cooking appliances to operate during power interruptions.

Financing remains key

British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Marianne Young, said the transition to clean cooking could deliver benefits extending beyond the energy sector, including improved health, reduced household expenditure and greater economic opportunities.

‘Electric cooking offers an opportunity to improve health outcomes, save families time and money, and reduce pressure on forests,’ she said.

Ms Young said the UK was proud to support Tanzania’s implementation of the National Clean Cooking Strategy, noting that schools, technicians and entrepreneurs were increasingly participating in the emerging market.

Tanesco also reported growing interest in electric cooking.

Acting Director of Communication and Customer Service at Tanesco, Irene Gowele, said a pilot project involving more than 1,000 users had demonstrated the potential for wider adoption. ‘Many Tanzanians want to cook with electricity, but the initial cost of purchasing electric stoves has been a major barrier,’ she said.

She said on-bill financing, which allows customers to pay for electric cooking appliances through their electricity bills, was helping address the challenge.

‘Tanesco aims to reach one million customers within the next three years through this financing model,’ Ms Gowele said.

She added that Tanzania was generating more than 4,000 megawatts of electricity against demand of slightly above 2,000MW, creating room for increased electricity use, including cooking.

‘Tanzanians should not hesitate to use electricity for cooking. We have enough power, and households should take advantage of this opportunity,’ she said.

Affordability and quality concerns

As the market expands, stakeholders say affordability and product quality will be critical to sustaining adoption.

Energy engineer and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) standards officer Spiradson Kagaba said the agency faced challenges including resistance to compliance, high infrastructure costs and limited public awareness of quality requirements.

He said effective enforcement required laboratories equipped with advanced testing equipment, which involved significant investment.

Mr Kagaba also warned that some consumers bought appliances without checking whether they met safety and quality standards.

Meanwhile, Catherine Pye of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the British High Commission called for tax reductions on imported electric cooking appliances to make them more affordable.

‘Removing taxes on clean cooking stoves would significantly reduce the cost of these technologies for Tanzanian households,’ she said.

The Government has directed the contractor building the 73-kilometre Kahama-Bulyanhulu Junction-Kakola road to speed up work to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeframe.

Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi issued the directive after inspecting the project, which is being funded by Barrick-Twiga’s Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines at a cost of about Sh100.6 billion.

The road is being upgraded to bitumen standard by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), under the supervision of Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads).

Mr Ndejembi said 32 kilometres of the road had been paved, with construction continuing on other sections.

‘I have no concerns about the quality of work, but the contractor needs to increase the pace so that the road is completed on time. Residents want to see their road completed and start using it,’ he said.

He said completion of the road would improve the movement of people and goods and support economic activities along the route.

Mr Ndejembi also directed Tanroads Shinyanga to closely supervise the contractor and ensure construction progresses as planned.

He further called for street lighting to be installed on major roads, particularly in areas with high levels of social and economic activity, to improve road safety at night.

Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita said the Government had allocated more than Sh2 trillion for various strategic projects in the region.

She said her office would monitor the road project to ensure the funds allocated were used as intended and commended Barrick-Twiga for financing the project.

Tanroads Shinyanga regional manager, Mr Ntuli Mwaikokesya, said the project was initially scheduled for completion in September 2026.

However, he said the contractor had requested additional time due to challenges encountered during implementation.

‘If the extension is approved, the project is expected to be completed by December 2026,’ Mr Mwaikokesya said.

Construction of the road began in July 2024. Once completed, it is expected to improve transport links and support mining, agriculture, forestry and tourism activities in Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Kagera and Kigoma regions.

The road is also important to Kahama Municipality, which handles significant cargo traffic from Tanzania’s main port to neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda.

Telecommunications company Yas has won two awards at the TEHAMA Awards 2026, including Best National ISP for the second consecutive year, recognising its continued investment in reliable internet connectivity across Tanzania.

The company also won the ICT for Environmental Conservation award, which recognises the use of technology in supporting environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The awards were presented on the evening of August 9, 2026, at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam during a ceremony that brought together stakeholders from Tanzania’s ICT and digital financial services sectors. The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki (MP), was the guest of honour.

Commenting on the recognition, Yas Business Chief Officer, Norman Kiondo said the company would continue investing in infrastructure and technology to expand connectivity and enable more Tanzanians to benefit from opportunities presented by the growing digital economy.

‘Internet connectivity has become an important part of our day-to-day activities. People rely on it to do business, work, learn, access services and stay connected. Our commitment is to continue building a quality network that connects Tanzanians and unlocks more digital opportunities wherever they are,’ Kiondo said.

He said winning the Best National ISP award for the second year running underlines the growing importance of reliable internet services as more Tanzanians embrace digital platforms to access essential services.

Kiondo added that the ICT for Environmental Conservation award would further encourage Yas to explore how technology can support environmental conservation and contribute to Tanzania’s sustainable development agenda.

According to the company, its long-term focus is to remain a digital ally to Tanzanians by expanding connectivity and enabling people to make greater use of technology in their daily lives.

The TEHAMA Awards 2026 were organised by the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), in collaboration with industry stakeholders, to recognise companies, institutions and individuals contributing to innovation, technology adoption and the development of Tanzania’s ICT sector.

Kenyan President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, took a major step towards marriage after undergoing a traditional Koito ceremony that formally brought her together with her Tanzanian fiancé, Isaya Yunge.

The ceremony was held at President Ruto’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, and was attended by senior Kenyan political figures, family members, friends and other guests from Kenya and Tanzania.

A lavish traditional ceremony

Intonna Heritage Farm was transformed into a colourful celebration venue decorated with green and cream fabrics, while brown featured prominently in the guests’ attire.

Charlene was seen wearing a brown gown, while Yunge wore a matching brown suit.

The couple also took part in traditional Kalenjin dances as music, singing and celebrations filled the venue.

The significance of the occasion was further reflected in the list of prominent guests, including Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, nominated Senator Karen Nyamu and nominated MP Esther Passaris.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, and ODM leader Oburu Odinga were also reported to have attended.

Some guests arrived by helicopter and in motorcades, adding to the spectacle of a ceremony that blended Kalenjin tradition with the political stature of the Ruto family.

Reports from the venue indicated that four helicopters landed at the farm as guests arrived for the ceremony.

What is Koito?

Koito is an important traditional ceremony among the Kalenjin community, bringing together the families of a bride and groom to discuss and conclude aspects of the bride price, exchange gifts and formally signify the union of the two families.

The Kilgoris event therefore represented a significant traditional engagement ceremony and an important step towards marriage.

Who is Isaya Yunge?

Yunge, 36, is the founder of Goodsam – a company that is revolutionizing smartphone accessibility across Africa. He gained popularity as the co-founder of SomaApp, a platform that helped students access scholarship and education opportunities.

His work earned him the Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2018, when he was among two Tanzanians recognised that year.

His leadership journey began in his youth

Yunge’s leadership journey began at the age of 17, when he was appointed a UNICEF African Youth Ambassador.

The role gave him an opportunity to participate in discussions on children’s rights, climate change and youth participation in decision-making.

In 2007, he became one of the African young people given an opportunity to address the G8 summit in Berlin, Germany, where he represented issues and perspectives affecting young people.

Before focusing more heavily on technology, Yunge was also involved in community initiatives.

Reports indicate that while he was a secondary school student, he organised informal lessons for street-connected children and later worked with Radio Free Africa through its Sauti ya Watoto Club programme.

Academically, Yunge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM).

He has also undertaken training in economic diplomacy, digital finance, entrepreneurship and innovation, including the Leading Change in Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme at the University of Cambridge.

Beyond SomaApp, he has been involved in other technology ventures, including KAYA, which focuses on smart-home technology, as well as innovation projects in the financial technology sector.

Who is Charlene Ruto?

Charlene Chelagat Ruto is the third child of President William Ruto and Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto.

Born in Nairobi on January 11, 1993, she has built a public profile around public relations, youth empowerment, agriculture and environmental issues.

Charlene studied at Daystar University, where she earned a degree in Communication, specialising in Public Relations and Print Media.

She later pursued postgraduate studies at Les Roches in Switzerland, where she studied business and management in the hospitality sector.

Before becoming more widely known for her social initiatives, Charlene worked in the private sector.

Among the positions she held was that of Media Relations Officer at Mobile Decisioning Holding Limited between 2015 and 2017.

She was also involved in communications and branding activities at Weston Hotel.

In recent years, she has focused increasingly on youth, environmental and agricultural initiatives.

Through the SMACHS Foundation, she has led programmes aimed at empowering young people, promoting climate action and encouraging youth participation in community development.

Her public profile grew significantly after her father won Kenya’s presidential election in 2022.

Since then, Charlene has participated in various national and international platforms, particularly those focusing on youth and development.

In a 2025 interview with The Standard, Charlene said she was passionate about empowering young people to create opportunities for themselves and succeed in life.

A union that crosses borders

Charlene’s relationship with Yunge has given the ceremony a distinct regional dimension, bringing together the family of Kenya’s President and a Tanzanian entrepreneur.

Although the couple had largely kept their relationship away from the public eye, the Koito ceremony in Kilgoris has brought their relationship into the spotlight, placing Yunge under increased media attention in both Kenya and Tanzania.

For the Ruto family, the occasion was more than a family celebration. It was also a showcase of Kalenjin culture. For Yunge’s family, meanwhile, it marked the coming together of a Tanzanian entrepreneurial family and one of Kenya’s most prominent political families.

Despite the scale of the ceremony, the next stage will involve following the remaining marriage formalities, including whether and when the couple will hold a religious ceremony or a civil wedding.

For now, Kilgoris remains the place where the two families publicly marked a new chapter in Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge’s journey towards marriage.

I received an email from a recruiter who had viewed my LinkedIn profile. The salary was generous. The work was fully remote. The message was polished, personalised and strangely flattering. I had already mentally converted the salary into Tanzanian shillings and planned how I would casually mention “my team in Europe” in everyday conversation. Within half a minute I had mentally spent my first three paychecks and started wondering whether “working across time zones” sounded as impressive as I thought.

But then something told me to do a reverse image check on the recruiter’s picture, so I did. Turns out “David, Senior Talent Acquisition Manager” was actually a very handsome dentist from Brazil who, as far as I could tell, had absolutely no interest in my LinkedIn profile. I almost got scammed!

In East Africa, the stakes are high, according to ENACT Africa (2023), data suggests that up to 80 percent of East African youth are unemployed or underemployed, a reality that may make our region fertile ground for job scammers. Furthermore what rarely gets discussed is the scam aftermath. Most victims never report what happened. We tell ourselves we ‘should have known better” on repeat.

That silence has a cost beyond just the individual victim. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) reported that job scams increased by over 30 percent in 2024, with young jobseekers the most targeted group. INTERPOL, in a 2023 global alert, noted an alarming escalation in trafficking networks using fake job offers to lure educated East African youth into forced labour situations in Southeast Asia.

These are not small crimes with small consequences yet, because of shame, the pipeline stays open.

Here are 5 ways to spot a fake job offer:

A salary range that makes no sense. If the offer says “between $500 and $53,000 per month” for the same role, that vagueness is deliberately designed to appeal to whoever is most desperate, rather than reflect actual market rates.

No interview, or an interview that feels like theatre. Real hiring processes verify your qualifications and they take time. If you receive a job offer within hours of applying, or after a five-minute WhatsApp chat, slow down.

Artificial urgency. “You must confirm within 24 hours.” “Submit all documents by EOD.” Urgency is a pressure tactic designed to bypass your better judgment before it can catch up with you.

A request for money or sensitive personal data. No legitimate employer charges you to apply, to register, to complete a background check, or to receive your contract. The moment someone asks for a fee – disappear.

An email that doesn’t match the company. Recruitment correspondence from a Gmail, Yahoo, or iCloud account is one of the most overlooked red flags. Genuine companies use official domains, ex: ‘ name@company.com.’

If you’ve been scammed, don’t let embarrassment become the scammer’s final victory. Share your experience, with a trusted friend, the authorities, or online. Every story told makes the next scam easier to spot. Before accepting any offer, verify it: reverse-image-search the recruiter, check the sender’s email domain, and contact the company through its official website.

Employers, recruiters, and those with public platforms have a responsibility too. The more visible and verifiable legitimate opportunities are, the less room there is for fraud to thrive.

Fake job offers don’t succeed because people lack intelligence. They succeed because opportunity feels scarce. The real challenge isn’t only exposing scams-it’s building a job market where hope is rewarded by genuine opportunity, not exploited by deception.

Livestock keepers in Iringa Region have begun benefiting from modern technology utilising ultrasound equipment to test cattle pregnancies and identify health challenges that could affect the reproductive system.

The technology aims to help livestock farmers abandon the practice of breeding cattle without certainty regarding their capacity to conceive, a situation that has been costing them time and money.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Urasi Tanzania company expert, Dr Agrey Julius, said the system is user-friendly for farmers in bringing productivity to guarantee increased livestock numbers.

Dr Julius is among participants showcasing modern livestock farming technologies at the Southern Highlands Zone Nane Nane Farmers’ Exhibition, representing Iringa Region.

Dr Julius said the use of ultrasound is among methods deployed to improve livestock production, including ensuring farmers use improved semen breeds and identify reproductive challenges early.

‘This is a new reproductive technology in Tanzania, including improving cattle genetics by using superior bull semen researched across three countries: Brazil, Canada, and the United States,’ he said.

He said besides using ultrasound, they perform artificial insemination through expert methods while also using embryo transfer technology from high-quality cattle for farmers wishing to upgrade their herds.

Minimising guesswork, Dr Julius said using ultrasound aims to eliminate the issue where farmers breed cows without knowing if they are already pregnant or facing challenges preventing them from conceiving.

‘When a cow is serviced but fails to conceive, it becomes a major problem for farmers. That is why we saw the solution in using this device to conduct thorough examinations and diagnose the issue,’ he said.

He said the technology helps detect and identify various diseases and challenges capable of affecting the bovine reproductive system, including problems related to the oestrus cycle.

‘Following these challenges, we introduced this technology to conduct in-depth research into these conditions. There are also congenital challenges, particularly heifers born with incomplete reproductive anatomy or fallopian tube disorders,’ he said.

According to Dr Julius, some cows with reproductive tract problems may fail to conceive, meaning early diagnosis helps the farmer make informed decisions rather than incurring continuous costs servicing an unproductive animal.

‘The goal is to prevent farmers from harbouring hopes without certainty. When a cow is tested, it will show if it is pregnant, unlike traditional haphazard breeding methods,’ he said.

Professional artificial insemination

Speaking on artificial insemination technology, Dr Julius said they use bulls with high milk or meat production potential, whose semen is selected to upgrade future cattle generations.

He said in another phase, they use embryos obtained through professional scientific procedures, which can be transferred into another cow capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.

‘We harvest a young embryo after seven days, preserve it, and later transfer it for a farmer who requests it. This helps accelerate the acquisition of superior quality livestock,’ he said.

A cattle farmer and resident of Mbozi District in Songwe Region, Mr Fred Ambele, said the technology opened his eyes and helped him realise the importance of modern livestock farming practices.

He said previously he conducted artificial insemination through guesswork without knowing whether the cow was capable of conceiving.

‘This exhibition has enlightened us. Personally, I used to service cows through trial and error, but now I know there are more professional methods yielding greater results in the livestock sector,’ he said.

Mr Ambele appealed to the government and livestock sector stakeholders to ensure this technology reaches more farmers, especially in rural areas, to enable them to test livestock and choose better production methods.

He said using this technology will help farmers abandon guesswork livestock keeping and boost productivity, milk and meat yields, and household income.

Throughout my life, I have approached almost everything with questions. It is through curiosity that I have come to understand the world and the people in it. I may not ask those questions out loud, but I do in my mind and, sometimes, in my writing. The books I read tend to ask the same questions I grapple with, and that is often how I choose what to read. And I have recently realised that I collect more questions than I answer. So I picked up Of Human Freedom by Epictetus.

In Of Human Freedom, Epictetus explores what it really means to be free. Through a series of arguments, he challenges many of the assumptions we make about freedom.

It is a question I have grappled with for a long time. I have always wondered what it means to be free, or whether I am free. According to Epictetus, I couldn’t have been further from being truly free.

For Epictetus, freedom is not the absence of physical chains. It is knowing what is within our power, acting on it, and leaving the rest to nature. Only when I recognise what is mine to control and what is not can I begin to find freedom.

As human beings, we become attached to things we cannot control. We want other people to behave the way we think they should. But their actions have never belonged to us, which is why we are so often disappointed when they choose differently.

I am still thinking about his reflection on death. Death has always been a topic many of us are afraid to talk about openly because we believe that, when we do, we are somehow inviting it into our lives. The fear of death is one of the biggest things that controls many of us. We are threatened by it. Those with power to make it happen against God’s will use it to coerce us into acting a certain way. We are not all free from death because it will eventually happen, but sadly, we are also not free from the fear of it even though we know none of us will come out of this earth alive.

To be free is to come to terms with the fact that we will die. When asked what one should do if threatened with death, Epictetus replies, ‘If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived – and dying I will tend to later.’

I did pause and laugh out loud when I read this because, to me, this level of freedom sounds unattainable. I worry about things I shouldn’t be worried about. A lot of things have to stop when I have a major presentation to do at work. Or an interview. Everything else stops until that thing I have made myself believe is significant is done. Now imagine if I know I am going to be killed. The horror!

It made me realise that freedom is no small achievement. It begins by questioning the beliefs we have carried for so long, especially the belief that we control external circumstances. The truth is, we don’t. Freedom begins with recognising that the only thing we truly have power over is our own actions. The rest is not ours to worry about because worrying will never make external things work in our favour; if they do, well and good. If they don’t, well and good.

Perhaps that is where I realised how much of my peace I have handed over to things outside my control.

We live in a world where we are made to believe that those with power or wealth are free. But Epictetus has a different way of thinking. We are all, in a way, chained by the things we are attached to. Our loved ones. Power. Pleasure, you name it. Anything that threatens what you believe you can’t live without begins to control you. And everything that controls us requires us to give up something, especially our integrity.

‘Consider at what price you sell your integrity; but please for God’s sake, do not sell it cheap.’

Perhaps that is why so many of us feel exhausted. We spend so much of our lives trying to control outcomes that were never ours to control in the first place.

I closed the book wondering whether freedom has less to do with changing our circumstances and more to do with changing our relationship to them. If Epictetus is right, perhaps freedom is not something we spend our lives searching for, but something we begin to experience the moment we stop trying to control what was never ours to control in the first place.

Liverpool have signed Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo from Spanish champions Barcelona on a season-long loan, the Premier club announced on Monday, as they moved to strengthen an injury-ravaged defence.

British media reported that the deal includes an option to buy the 27-year-old for about £47 million ($63.48 million).

Araujo arrives at a time when Liverpool are facing mounting defensive problems.

Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury in the ?club’s opening pre-season match, while teenage centre back Giovanni Leoni is recovering from an ACL injury.

Young centre back ?Jeremy Jacquet is also nursing an injury, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk, 35, as Liverpool’s only ?fully fit senior central defender.

“I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I ?think it was a move that was necessary for me to take,” Araujo said in a statement.

“As soon as I ?heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly.”

The club’s options at right back have also been depleted. Conor Bradley is still recovering from a significant knee injury, while Jeremie Frimpong endured an injury-hit campaign last season and struggled for form.

Capable of playing both ?at centre back and right back, Araujo provides Liverpool with much-needed cover in two areas where they are currently short ?of options.

‘Right move at the right time’

Araujo joined Barcelona B from Uruguayan side Boston River in 2018 and made his senior debut the year. ?He has since won three LaLiga titles, including back-to-back championships in 2024-25 and 2025-26, as well as two Copa del Rey trophies and three Spanish Super Cup titles.

Araujo was named in the LaLiga Team of the Season in 2021-22 and 2023-24. However, he found opportunities harder to come by last season, making only 11 league starts as Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin ?established themselves as Hansi Flick’s ?preferred central defensive pairing.

One ?of Barca’s captains, Araujo also saw his involvement reduced after taking an indefinite leave of absence from the club at his request.

“I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. ?I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time,” ?Araujo added.

He is ?under contract with Barca until 2031.

Liverpool have signed Jacquet and forward Victor Munoz during the close season, but have also lost talisman Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. Forward Hugo Ekitike is among several players sidelined through injury.

Liverpool finished fifth in the ?Premier League ?last season despite spending about 446 million pounds on signings.

The club subsequently ?parted ways with manager Arne Slot and appointed former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola in a bid to revive their fortunes.

Liverpool open the Premier League season ?at Newcastle United on August 23.

Mufindi residents have been urged to collaborate with the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (Rita) in a drive to provide birth and death certificates in Mafinga District.

Mafinga District Commissioner, Dr Linda Salekwa, made the call yesterday while launching the initiative at Lufana Village in Iringa Region, emphasising that the documents are essential for establishing a person’s identity and citizenship.

Dr Salekwa noted that some residents, particularly those in rural areas, continue to lack these documents because they do not always take advantage of the opportunities provided to obtain them.

She warned that the absence of such documentation often becomes a major hurdle when citizens later attempt to access essential government and social services or pursue important career opportunities.

‘We have been providing information on various matters, but citizens do not always pay enough attention. As a result, they miss out on important services and opportunities,’ she said, adding that Rita services are important for every citizen because the documents can help them access many social services.

Dr Salekwa further explained that possessing a birth certificate is particularly vital during unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents or disappearances, where an individual’s identity must be established quickly to facilitate assistance.

‘These certificates are more than just documents. They give us a greater opportunity to be identified and recognised in different places. When a problem occurs, it becomes easier for people to know who we are and determine how they can assist,’ she said.

Supporting the initiative, Mtwango Ward Councillor, Mr Monte Kilambia, commended the agency for bringing services closer to the people.

He noted that many young people previously faced difficulties when seeking sponsorships, employment, or higher education loans.

‘There are times when young people want to apply for higher education loans, but they find themselves unable to proceed because they do not have birth certificates.

These are among the important documents required to validate and complete the application process,’ said Mr Kilambia.

Residents also highlighted the practical benefits for the workforce.

Mr Clayson Samwel, from Mponda Ward, noted that many people in the district depend on tea harvesting but often miss recruitment because they lack birth certificates.

He added that the lack of documents also complicates the process of claiming social security benefits for deceased relatives.

‘The challenges are many. Some people follow up on benefits belonging to relatives who have died, but they are required to provide either a death certificate or a birth certificate. When they do not have these documents, they find themselves unable to access the services on time,’ said Mr Samwel.

The initiative is expected to reduce unnecessary travel to urban centres, saving residents time and transport costs while ensuring their vital information is properly recorded

Mainstream Group Limited has secured two accolades at the Tehama Awards 2026, taking second place in the Technological Innovation in Payment Systems category.

On top of that, the Group’s director, Mr Deogratius Mosha, was named among top information and communication technology (ICT) sector leaders nationwide.

The awards were recently presented at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam during a gala bringing together technology and digital economy stakeholders.

The guest of honour was the Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki.

In the payment systems innovation category, Mainstream Group finished second behind NMB Bank Plc, reflecting its efforts to streamline financial services through digital solutions.

Mr Mosha was honoured for his individual contributions to ICT development, building on his previous recognition as Africa’s Best Leader in Innovation at the 2024 40 Under 40 Africa Awards, organised by Xodus Communications.

Speaking at the Tehama Awards 2026 ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Ms Kairuki congratulated the winners and stressed the importance of technological innovation in improving service delivery and driving the growth of a digital economy.

‘Technological innovation is critical to improving services and building a digital economy. I congratulate all the winners of the Tehama Awards for their achievements and contribution to advancing technology,’ said Ms Kairuki.

She described Mainstream Group Limited’s achievement as a significant milestone, particularly after the company emerged as one of the leading institutions in a highly competitive category.

‘This is a significant milestone for Mainstream Group Limited, which competed against various institutions, including NMB Bank. The achievement demonstrates the importance of using technology to improve and streamline financial services,’ she said.

This marks the second time Mainstream Group has featured among Tehama Award winners, having won the ICT Innovation in Financial Services category in 2024.

The latest recognition comes months after the firm secured a contract to develop a digital membership registration and smart card system for Simba Sports Club.

Mainstream Group operations director, Mr Pascal William, stated that the recognition provides fresh momentum to build digital systems tackling challenges across financial services and higher education.

Mr William noted that the company has engineered systems simplifying banking services alongside university platforms such as Smarti Uni.

He added that these initiatives have boosted youth employment, with the firm providing both formal and informal jobs to over 100 young people nationwide and contributing to tax revenue.