Category: The Citizen

By Mwita Chacha Last week, I wanted to go to a popular outdoor restaurant. I asked a friend who was there the previous day and he told me that the service was “so horrible” that he would never set foot there again.

Now such feedback hits hard. Nevertheless, we thought that perhaps it was one of those days and we decided to go there on Sunday afternoon.

For starters, the place was grossly understaffed and we had to go to the store to bring out our own chairs and a table. Once we were seated, it took what seemed like an eternity for drinks to be served.

We ordered seafood. The waitress had no place to write the order, but nevertheless told us the food will be ready in about an hour.

After an hour and half, we waylaid her and asked her about the food and, shockingly, she asked, “What food?” Yes, imagine waiting for more than an hour only to be told that the order was not placed and now you have to wait for another hour. The incident made me think that it is time we had at least a certificate course where waitresses are trained in customer care.

It can be a month-long course that caters for, among other things, working under pressure, taking orders, bills management, attitude towards difficult but useful customers and some bit of honesty about how long food will take. Unfortunately, this happened during Customer Service Week where much is expected, especially from the service and hospitality industry.

Customer Service Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the vital role customer service plays in our businesses and communities. The week shines a spotlight on the hard work, dedication and impact of customer service professionals across the country.

Throughout the week, organisations come together to recognise achievements, share best practices and inspire teams to continue raising the standard of service excellence. Whether you’re a frontline advisor or a senior leader, Customer Service Week is your chance to champion great service and the people who deliver it.

This year’s Customer Service Week ran from October 6 to 10 October under the theme “Mission: Possible”, which was meant to inspire teams and staff members to embark on a mission to make the impossible possible for customers. Here at home, it is generally a week-long opportunity to raise awareness of customer service and the vital role it plays in successful business practice and economic growth.

Now, let us get it right from the onset. Great customer service comes from a great culture of hospitality, a culture that takes the form of daily behaviours.

Outstanding service is not a one-off achievement; it is about excelling repeatedly. Good service culture essentially come from leadership leaders with service ambitions; leaders who convey culture positively to everyone in their team; leaders who role-model the actions and exemplify the service culture all the time.

The customer service culture must be intentional and high standards must be set. We need to take a needs-based approach while being committed to having a customer-first approach and understanding the customer through utilisation of customer data.

We should work on models that prioritise delivery of maximum value to customers while constantly engaging with them and achieving a 360-degree view of the customer by implementing automated customer feedback mechanisms. Additionally, we should improve customer experience by mapping out customer journeys and identifying potential areas of improvement through strategic customer-driven marketing by measuring effectiveness of marketing campaigns against business performance.

It takes willpower and a great desire to set such high standards in the first place. The true key performance indicator lies in meeting them.

But how do we go about meeting the set standards and delivering “Mission Possible”? What is needed is a true culture transformation aiming at creating a customer-centric environment that drives long-term success in the customer service agenda. This can be in form of training programmes geared towards fostering a culture where employees prioritise customer needs and satisfaction; giving employees the autonomy to take actions that benefit customers; boosting employee engagement agenda and job satisfaction, which can lead to better customer interactions as well as driving employee accountability for delivering exceptional customer service.

Once achieved, good customer service experience is a remarkable strength to have in any business since it builds emotional bonds with your customers and lays the foundation for customer loyalty and retention, improves customer satisfaction and experience and enhances reputation and brand image, thus driving business growth and revenues. Chacha Mwita is the Head of Strategy and Human Capital Services at MnC Consulting Services in Dar es Salaam.

[email protected] .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s equity market experienced a notable pullback in foreign investor interest in the third quarter of 2025, with offshore investors increasing their stock sales by 41.9 percent, as global yields rose and the US Federal Reserve maintained elevated interest rates.

Market data shows turnover from shares sold by foreign investors rose to Sh114.9 billion in the third quarter, July to September 2025, from Sh80.9 billion that they sold in the second quarter, between April to June 2025. According to the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), the surge in foreign selling reflects both global monetary tightening and domestic portfolio adjustments rather than a loss of confidence in the market. DSE’s chief executive officer, Mr Peter Nalitolela, said the rise in foreign selling signals reduced foreign participation and potential portfolio rebalancing.

“It reflects a combination of domestic market dynamics, macroeconomic adjustment, and global yield dynamics rather than a loss of confidence in the Tanzania Market,” he said. The American Federal Reserve in September reiterated its “higher-for-longer” stance, holding its benchmark rate near a two-decade high.

The yield on 10-year US Treasuries hovered around 4.6 percent, the highest since 2007, prompting global funds to rebalance toward dollar assets.

Meanwhile, the local shilling has remained relatively stable against the dollar, supported by healthy foreign-exchange reserves, By September 30, 2025, total market capitalization stood at Sh21.34 trillion, an increase of 20.9 percent from Sh17.6 trillion in September 2024, buoyed by banking and manufacturing earnings. Domestic market capitalisation also closed the third quarter at a higher note at Sh13.6 trillion, 11.1 percent year-on-year from Sh12.2 trillion, indicating local absorption of foreign liquidity gaps.

The All Share Index (DSEI) gained 17.8 percent to 2,489.70 points from 2,114.34 points a year earlier. The Tanzania Share Index (TSI), tracking domestic counters, climbed 11.2 percent to 5,118.8 points from 4,604.09 points in September 2024. Domestic participation has risen sharply, cushioning the blow from foreign exits.

Pension funds, insurance companies, and retail investors now account for the majority of trading activity at the DSE, providing liquidity and supporting valuations. According to DSE data, local trading volume accounted for nearly 85 percent of turnover in Q3 2025, up from about 60 percent in the same period last year.

The Banks, Finance and Investment Index saw the sharpest monthly decline — tumbling 7.5 percent to 9,245.90 points in September from 9,994.54 points in August, as investors booked profits after a strong first half and liquidity tightened.

Yet the sector remains the year’s outperformer, up 63 percent from 5,674.20 points in September 2024. The Industrial and Allied Index decreased slightly, by 2 percent, from 4,213.43 points in August to 4,136.25 points in September. Meanwhile, the Commercial Services Index eased to 1,644.39 points from 1,666.41 points, a 1.

3 percent fall, and a steep 23 percent drop from 2,138.48 points a year earlier — highlighting the continued weakness in consumer-driven stocks amid inflationary pressure. Bond market The fixed-income sector thrived despite equity wobbles.

Outstanding government bonds rose 19.1 percent to Sh28.6 trillion from Sh23.9 trillion in September 2024, and 2.5 percent from Sh27.9 trillion in August, as investors sought stable yields.

Corporate bonds held steady at Sh176.2 billion, up 198.4 percent from Sh59.1 billion a year earlier, signaling private-sector issuance growth. .

Antananarivo. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who seized power in Madagascar earlier this week, was officially sworn in as president on Friday, October 17, 2025 in a ceremony marked by cheers, trumpets, and raised swords.

The move comes days after youth-led protests forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. At the ceremony, held at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina pledged to “fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities” of his office, vowing to defend national unity and human rights.

Military officers raised swords and sounded trumpets as he took the oath, symbolising the formal handover of authority. Rajoelina, impeached by lawmakers and currently in exile, has condemned the coup and refused to relinquish power, despite widespread defections within the security forces and the High Constitutional Court’s rapid endorsement of the military takeover.

The African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have publicly condemned the coup, which followed weeks of protests by young people — primarily members of “Gen Z” — triggered by chronic power and water shortages across the island. While many of the protesters celebrated Rajoelina’s departure, some expressed unease at the speed with which the military assumed control.

“Not yet,” said 18-year-old student Mioty Andrianambinintsoa outside the court, signalling that the protesters’ broader objectives remain unfulfilled. Fellow demonstrator Francko Ramananvarivo, 23, explained, “Our goal is a government that is close to the people.

We are not there yet.” Randrianirina has indicated that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years, after which new elections are expected to be held .

Arusha. The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) has passed a new bill that introduces a unified and transparent system for managing tax exemptions, overseen through a harmonised regional framework.

The East African Community (EAC) Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, marks a significant step towards strengthening regional integration and streamlining cross-border trade. The updated law which was read for the third time and passed during the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the 5th Assembly, was adopted at Eala’s headquarters in Arusha on Tuesday.

It was tabled following extensive scrutiny by the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment. The amendments are part of ongoing efforts to harmonise and modernise customs operations across EAC partner states.

They aim to enhance the efficiency of trade procedures, reduce delays, and foster a more predictable business environment throughout the region, according to the chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Investment and a legislator from Rwanda, Ms Francine Rutizana. “These amendments are designed to strengthen the management of advance rulings in line with evolving trade regulations, expand the governance of container freight stations and cross-border trade, and update penalties to reflect current regional standards,” she told the Assembly.

She added that the changes are expected to improve legal compliance, deter customs-related offences, and improve public understanding of customs laws through targeted awareness and translation initiatives. First enacted in 2004, the EAC Customs Management Act established the legal framework for the Customs Union, Common External Tariff, and broader trade facilitation measures.

Major revisions were last made in 2022. The 2025 amendments were initiated by the EAC Council of Ministers following wide-ranging consultations with member states and stakeholders, including the East African Business Council (EABC). The review process covered the 2004 principal Act and its previous amendments to identify gaps and ensure alignment with international commitments such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.

All seven EAC member states–Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo–submitted input during the consultations, alongside representatives from the private sector. The Committee carried out a comprehensive analysis and compiled a detailed report, which was debated and adopted during the second and third readings of the Bill.

“These reforms are expected to ease trade by simplifying inspections, cutting clearance delays, and improving transparency in cross-border transactions. Ultimately, this benefits both traders and investors across the region,” Ms Rutizana noted.

Among the key provisions are updated rules on advance rulings to reduce legal ambiguity for businesses, the formal inclusion of container freight stations within customs zones to improve logistics, and the introduction of stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability in tax exemptions. Public education campaigns, translations of the revised law, and stakeholder training are set to follow as part of the implementation plan.

The transition will be phased, in accordance with a schedule to be determined by EALA and the EAC Council of Ministers .

Iringa. The Forestry, Land Use and Value Chains Development in Tanzania (FORLAND) Project has launched a national talk show aimed at raising public awareness on forest protection, wildfire prevention and investment opportunities in the forestry sector.

Funded by the Governments of Finland and Tanzania, FORLAND is implemented under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). It seeks to support sustainable forest management, environmental conservation, and economic development through an inclusive forestry value chain.

The FORLAND Talk Show is part of the project’s Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaign, designed to bridge the gap between expert forestry knowledge and community action. “Our goal is to increase awareness, shift perceptions, and attract investment in forestry,” said FORLAND Communication Expert, Ms Sheila Chatto.

“Informed communities are essential to building climate resilience.” The first episode, themed “Preventing Fire, Protecting Futures”, focused on fire management — a major threat to Tanzania’s forests and farmlands.

Many forest fires result from land clearing, charcoal production, and grazing, causing environmental and economic damage. Experts from MNRT, SUA, TAFORI, and local governments shared strategies for fire prevention, improved coordination, and responsible land use.

Chairperson of Kidete Village Council in Iringa, Jenstina Gidioni, said community training and the introduction of fire permits had helped reduce forest fires in her village. Regional Fire and Rescue Officer Jackline Mtei warned that Iringa remains highly vulnerable during the dry season.

“Careless burning must stop. Fire permits are a legal requirement for land preparation,” she said.

Makete District Commissioner Kisa Kasongwe noted that over 16,000 acres of forest worth TSh 81 billion had been lost to fire in four years. “Forests are wealth — but fire scares off investors.

” Iringa Regional Natural Resources Officer, Dr Goliama Bahati, reported that fire incidents dropped from 89 in 2020/21 to 60 in 2024/25 due to ongoing awareness efforts. FORLAND aims to promote forestry as a viable business that supports livelihoods, climate action, and national development.

“By bringing communities and experts together, we are supporting government efforts to protect forests and boost the sector’s potential,” said Ms Chatto. .

As the news of the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga spread on Wednesday, African leaders sent their messages of condolence to the Kenyan government and the people, eulogising the departed former prime minister as a pan-African statesman who championed democracy on the continent. While most East African leaders did so, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo — seen by many as Odinga’s friend — curiously did not publicly offer his condolences, nor did his government.

Kabila factor News of Odinga’s death came as Kinshasa was seething over a meeting of Congolese opposition figures in Nairobi on Tuesday, led by former president Joseph Kabila, who, despite facing a death sentence for treason and other serious charges, continues walking around freely. On Tuesday, Kabila and several Congolese opposition figures met in Nairobi for a conclave to “reflect on the DRC”.

Those in attendance included leaders who have supported the AFC/M23 rebellion in eastern Congo, such as Franck Diongo. Former prime minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, who was also recently sentenced to ten years of hard labour for embezzlement of public funds, also attended the Nairobi retreat.

Others were Moise Nyarugabo, Jose Malik and Seth Kikuni. Opposition leaders Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu and Jean-Marc Kabund, were absent at the meeting in Nairobi.

Some of them have been engaging with President Tshisekedi in an attempt to build a national coalition and unite the country. According to his allies, Kabila may be doing the same to counter Tshisekedi’s move.

In response to the meeting, Jacquemain Shabani, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the interior and security, described it as a “black mass organised by convicted criminals against our country.” He added that the Congolese government would “take action against the actors and initiators of this meeting, if it is proven that it is preparing to destabilise the institutions of the republic.

” Sharpening tools The Congolese justice system has convicted Kabila in absentia of treason, crimes against humanity, torture, rape, and participating in the insurrectionary movement AFC/M23. He was sentenced to death. Depending on whom you ask, Kabila is sharpening his political tools in preparation for a run that would unsettle President Tshisekedi’s administration.

Analysts say Kabila, who ruled the Congo for 18 years, is meeting his allies in Nairobi to pool resources. According to diplomatic sources who spoke to The EastAfrican, Kenya has invited Kabila and his political allies to hold meetings, offering them protection on the condition that they engage in dialogue for the Congo.

The Congolese Deputy Prime Minister said that Kenya “has been sufficiently identified in terms of its ability to host meetings that project chaos in Congo.” “We are monitoring this closely,” he said, adding that the government was preparing a “response”.

Frosty relations Kinshasa’s diplomatic ties with Kenya have been strained due to Nairobi hosting the M23 rebels, who launched the Congo River Alliance (AFC is the French acronym) in December 2023, seeking to unseat President Tshisekedi. At the time, President William Ruto said Kenya would not gag anyone for expressing themselves and declined Kinshasa’s request to have the M23 leaders extradited.

In response, DRC has stalled in accrediting the two envoys Kenya sent to Kinshasa, weakening its diplomatic presence in the vast country. This time, Kenyan government officials have been reluctant to speak on the record, but a diplomat told The EastAfrican that they are aware of the Congolese politicians’ meetings for which Kenya would provide adequate security.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Congolese officials and the M23 rebel group signed an agreement to monitor a potential “permanent ceasefire”, which could lead to an end to fighting in eastern Congo.

This agreement marks progress in the Qatar-mediated negotiations, following the missed deadline of August 18 to finalise a peace deal. Since April, Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of direct talks between the Congolese government and the rebels, but so far, these have largely dealt with preconditions and confidence-building measures.

The ceasefire monitoring agreement was one of two key steps to complete before talks towards a comprehensive peace agreement could begin. The second was a deal on a prisoner-of-war exchange that was signed in September, though the exchange itself has not happened.

State funeral Kenya will hold a State funeral for Odinga on Friday, an event expected to draw an array of regional and international leaders paying tribute to one of Africa’s most enduring political figures. Among those who will be closely watched is President Tshisekedi, whose presence — or absence — could carry political undertones amid the recent diplomatic tension between Nairobi and Kinshasa.

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Dar es Salaam. Winnie Odinga, the eldest daughter of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has provided clarity on the circumstances of her father’s death, disputing claims circulating on social media.

Speaking on Friday, October 17, 2025 during the national memorial service at Nyayo Stadium, Winnie revealed that she was in India when her father took his final breath. “I was in India when he passed away.

He died in his own way, but not as people are describing on social media. He was in good health,” she said.

“He would rise each day for his walking exercise — one round on the first day, two on the second, five on the third, and he continued like that. I can say my father passed away a strong and healthy man.

The king has rested, but his legacy will live on forever.” She further described her father as a true leader, full of love and respect for his family, particularly his grandchildren.

“He was a devoted father. Even while burdened with national responsibilities, he never forgot his grandchildren; he always sent messages of love,” she said.

She also referred to Odinga as “father and hero,” whose wisdom, courage, and love profoundly shaped her life. “I don’t know who I will miss most — my father or my hero.

I am a lucky girl because he was my father. Only three people were as fortunate as I was: Fidel, Rozzy, and Junior,” she said.

She added that her father was a constant source of light and inspiration, motivating everyone he met. “To the world, he had many titles and often gave people nicknames.

But to me, he was simply Father,” she said. Recalling life at home, Winnie said their father encouraged critical thinking through questions and riddles.

“Our home was like a testing ground for riddles. Father loved challenging us to think, and it strengthened us greatly,” she said .

Dar es Salaam. President William Ruto led a sombre state funeral for veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

Odinga, 80, who died in India while receiving medical treatment, was accorded full military honours. His flag-draped coffin was conveyed in a military procession from Parliament to Nyayo Stadium, where prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes were offered by family, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries.

The funeral followed days of chaotic scenes in Nairobi, where enormous crowds had overwhelmed security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and during public viewings at Kasarani Stadium. The stampede-like conditions led to police firing into the air and, tragically, reports of several deaths and injuries as mourners pushed to see the late statesman.

Officials said the national ceremony would be followed by extended public viewings at Nyayo Stadium to allow Kenyans from all walks of life to pay their final respects. Throughout the day, political leaders and visiting delegations paid glowing tribute to Odinga, describing him as a fearless democrat, a reformist, and a unifying force who helped shape Kenya’s modern political landscape.

President Ruto, who in recent years had reconciled with his long-time rival, led the tributes, calling Odinga “a man who gave everything for his country” and “a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy.” The atmosphere was charged with emotion.

Supporters waved flags, sang liberation songs, and raised olive branches as Odinga’s cortege entered the stadium. His trademark hat was placed atop the coffin — a silent reminder of his indelible presence in Kenya’s public life.

Throughout his career, Odinga fought for multi-party democracy, endured detention under authoritarian regimes, and served as Prime Minister in the 2008 power-sharing government that emerged after post-election violence. The state funeral marked the beginning of a period of national mourning.

The government announced that Odinga’s body would later be taken to his rural home for burial after final family and regional commemorations. The day’s events captured both the profound respect many Kenyans felt for Odinga and the tension that often surrounds large national gatherings.

Security forces were praised for maintaining order during the main service, even as authorities promised to investigate the earlier chaos that marred the public viewings. Raila Odinga’s farewell was not just a funeral — it was a defining moment in Kenya’s history, a final salute to a man whose life embodied the struggle for freedom, justice, and unity across the African continent .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants, Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC, have both departed for their crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg matches this weekend, with both sides missing key players due to injuries and fitness issues.

The two clubs are representing the country in Africa’s premier club competition and will be looking to secure favorable results away from home before the decisive return legs next week. Yanga head to Malawi without five players Yanga SC have traveled to Lilongwe, Malawi, ahead of their clash against Silver Strikers FC scheduled for Saturday at 4pm East African time.

However, the Tanzanian champions will have to do without five important players, Salum “Sure Boy” Abubakar, Dennis Nkane, Farid Mussa, Abdulnasir “Casemiro” Abdallah, and Abubakar Nizar Othman alias Ninju. All five were left out of the travelling squad due technical reasons according to the report received by The Citizen.

Despite the absences, Yanga’s travelling team remains strong, featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and new signings ready to make an impact on the continental stage. The squad includes Djigui Diarra, Msheri, Khomeini, Israel Mwenda, lassine Kouma, Shadrack Boka, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, Frank Assinki, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Bacca, Azizi Andabwile, Balla Conte, Mudathir Yahya, Mohamed Doumbia, Edmund John, Offen Chikola, Clement Mzize, Celestine Ecua, Maxi Nzengeli, Dube, and Andy Boyeli.

Three players, Pacome Zouzoua, Prince Dube and Duke Abuya will join the team while in Lilongwe. The team assistant coach, Simba travel to Eswatini without Camara and Bajaber Simba SC have also jetted out for their CAF Champions League mission, heading to Mbabane, Eswatini, where they will face Nsingizini Hotspurs FC on Sunday at 4pm East Africa time.

The Msimbazi Street giants will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who is recovering from injury, and attacking midfielder Mohamed Bajaber. Despite these setbacks, head coach Dimitar Pantev has assembled a competitive squad capable of getting a good result away from home.

The travelling team comprises: Players who travelled to Eswatini are Yakoub Suleiman and Hussein Abel who Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta, Anthony Mligo, Karaboue Chamou, Rushine De Reuck, Wilson Nangu, and Vedastus Masinde. Others are Yusuph Kagoma, Mzamiru Yassin, Naby Camara, Joshua Mutale, Kibu Denis, Elie Mpanzu, Ladaki Chasambi, Jean Charles Ahoua, Neo Maema, and Morice Abraham; Also in the list are Jonathan Sowah, Steven Mukwala, and Seleman Mwalimu.

Simba’s attack will once again rely on the striking power of Steven Mukwala and Jonathan Sowah, supported by playmakers Neo Maema and Joshua Mutale. The team’s defensive structure, led by Kapombe and De Reuck, will be crucial in handling Nsingizini’s counter-attacking threats.

Assistant coach Juma Mgunda noted that team spirit is high and that Simba’s goal is to secure an away victory to ease pressure in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Tanzanian Giants Eye Group Stage Qualification For both clubs, these fixtures carry enormous significance.

Yanga are aiming to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season, while Simba are determined to continue their impressive continental record and reaffirm their dominance in the region. A good performance in these away legs will not only boost Tanzania’s football reputation but also improve the country’s CAF ranking.

With both clubs missing key figures, depth, discipline, and tactical awareness will be decisive factors. As Yanga and Simba prepare for battle in Malawi and Eswatini, fans across Tanzania will be watching eagerly, united by one dream — to see both teams flying the national flag proudly in the CAF Champions League group stage.

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Njombe. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed the contractor implementing the construction of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) Njombe Campus to accelerate the pace of work and ensure adherence to required quality standards.

The Sh17.14 billion project involves the construction of six key facilities — an academic block, an administration building, student hostels, workshops, a dispensary, and a cafeteria. The directive was issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Prof Carolyne Nombo, during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works for the Njombe Campus.

Prof Nombo noted that the project began later than other institutions benefiting from the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, and therefore called for faster progress without compromising quality. She explained that under the HEET initiative, the government instructed universities to construct campuses in regions without higher learning institutions.

As a result, UDOM was allocated Njombe for its new campus. “The construction of this campus presents a great opportunity for Tanzanians.

It demonstrates that higher education is expanding, and the government is investing in new infrastructure to ensure that every child who aspires to study at university has that chance,” she said. Prof Nombo added that the government has sent more than 500 lecturers abroad for further studies, who, upon their return, will teach at various universities being developed across the country.

“The construction of UDOM’s Njombe Campus is progressing well, with buildings at different stages of completion. However, we have urged the contractor to make up for lost time so that by the 2026/2027 academic year, all the new campuses can begin operations,” Prof Nombo said.

She further instructed the contractor to increase the number of workers and extend working hours to ensure timely completion of the project. Njombe Regional Administrative Secretary, Ms Judica Omary, urged local residents to take advantage of temporary job opportunities available during the construction period.

“There is still a shortage of construction workers, so I encourage the people of Njombe to participate in this work. These jobs pay well and can help residents meet their daily needs,” said Ms Omary.

Assistant HEET Project Coordinator from UDOM, Dr Happiness Nnko, said the Njombe Campus project has been underway for four months and has reached 26.1 percent completion. “The construction contract is expected to be completed by May 2026, and by the 2026/2027 academic year, we aim to start student admissions,” said Dr Nnko.

The project contractor, Mr Dickson Mwipopo, assured the ministry that his team would speed up the work to ensure completion within the agreed 12-month contract period. “We are confident that we will finish the project on schedule and deliver it to the expected quality standards,” said Mr Mwipopo.

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