Category: The Citizen

Arusha. Tanzania has launched an ambitious drive to harness the blue economy through a programme to rehabilitate all idle vessels across the country and construct two new large cargo ships, as part of efforts to boost maritime transport’s contribution to economic growth and support the country’s long-term development ambitions.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th Joint Transport Sector Review (JTSR) in Arusha yesterday, the Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile said the government has already begun the process of sourcing a contractor to rehabilitate stalled vessels nationwide, with particular focus on Kigoma, Katavi and Rukwa regions, which rely heavily on Lake Tanganyika. He said the initiative aims to revive inland water transport in order to stimulate trade, reduce transport costs and improve the efficiency of cargo and passenger services on the country’s major lakes.

“In addition to rehabilitating existing vessels, the government plans to build two large new cargo ships to serve both regional and international routes,” said Mr Kihenzile. He explained that one vessel, with a cargo capacity of 3,500 tonnes, will be constructed to operate on Lake Tanganyika, while another, with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes, will serve Lake Victoria.

The move is expected to strengthen cross-border trade with neighbouring countries and increase national revenues from maritime transport. As part of the broader strategy, the government also plans to establish a large shipbuilding and repair facility within the country.

The proposed facility is expected to cut the high costs associated with overseas repairs while building domestic capacity in maritime engineering and technology. “The overarching objective is to position Tanzania as a blue economy hub in East and Central Africa, while ensuring the sector accelerates progress towards the National Development Vision 2050,” he said.

He urged participants at the three-day meeting to engage in detailed discussions on implementation modalities, identify bottlenecks and propose practical measures to fast-track delivery so that tangible results are realised on schedule. Held from December 15 to 17, 2025, the forum is guided by the theme “Integrated transportation system as the foundation of economic transformation towards Vision 2050” and seeks to assess the implementation of policies, plans and projects across the transport sector.

The meeting has brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, public and private institutions and civil society organisations. Speaking separately, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara, said the annual forum provides a platform for transport professionals–particularly those in roads, railways and ports–to align plans and jointly address implementation challenges.

He said discussions focus on progress in upgrading road, rail, port and aviation infrastructure, as well as constraints affecting timely and efficient project execution. “Issues of environmentally friendly transport and the sector’s role in driving national economic growth have also received significant attention,” he said.

He added that the meeting also offers an opportunity to review resource utilisation, transparency and accountability in project implementation, while setting sector priorities for the coming year. .

Dar es Salaam. Grief and mourning enveloped Peramiho and surrounding areas yesterday as thousands of residents gathered to pay their final respects to the late Member of Parliament for Peramiho Constituency, Ms Jenista Mhagama (CCM), whose death has left a deep sense of loss across the community she served for two decades.

From early morning, the usually busy roads and market centres of Peramiho fell uncharacteristically quiet as residents suspended their daily routines in her honour. Shops remained closed, farm work was postponed and offices opened only briefly, as people made their way to St Benedict Church at Peramiho Parish in the Songea Catholic Archdiocese for a requiem Mass held in her memory.

Ms Mhagama, who had represented Peramiho since 2005, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma. Her body is expected to be laid to rest today at Ruanda Village in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, where family members, friends, colleagues and constituents will gather for her final journey.

At the church, mourners filled the pews and spilled into the compound, many standing silently, others wiping away tears as hymns echoed through the parish. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow, but also marked by gratitude for a leader many described as tireless, approachable and deeply committed to her people.

A Peramiho A resident, Mr Daines Komba, said the overwhelming turnout reflected the affection and respect the community held for their late MP. He noted that many people had deliberately closed their businesses and postponed personal commitments to be part of the farewell.

“This huge crowd is a mark of respect for the queen of Peramiho. She brought us great honour and development,” he said.

“Today, we are not here as traders or farmers, but as one family mourning a leader who gave herself fully to us. We pray that she rests in peace.

” Another resident, Mr Bosco Ngonyani of Parangu, said Ms Mhagama’s death had come as a shock, leaving many struggling to come to terms with the loss. “No one expected this to happen so suddenly,” he said.

“People had great hopes for this term. They believed they would see even more development because of her strong contribution and genuine love for this constituency.

This death has pained many of us deeply.” Delivering the homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Songea Catholic Archdiocese, Bishop Erick Mapunda, reflected on the human struggle to accept death, particularly when it claims someone held dear by many.

“Many people are not prepared to accept death, especially the death of their loved ones. This often leads to shock and denial,” he said.

“Why are we unprepared? Perhaps because we have forgotten ourselves and embraced the world too much, thinking that life is only here on earth, indulging in pleasures and comforts.” Bishop Mapunda said another reason people fear death is a lack of spiritual preparedness, noting that uncertainty about life after death often breeds fear and anxiety.

“We fear what will happen after death because we have not prepared ourselves,” he said. “Honourable Jenista did not fear death.

She did not cling to worldly life. She was God-fearing and prayed constantly, never allowing a day to pass without prayer.

” He added that while death is inevitable, accepting the loss of others often proves difficult and can sometimes result in disputes, chaos and misunderstandings within families and communities. He urged mourners to allow faith, patience and unity to guide them during moments of loss.

Concluding his sermon, Bishop Mapunda called on Tanzanians to make it a habit to put God first in their plans and daily lives. “God has done great things for us in our families, communities, the Church and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through His servant Jenista Mhagama,” he said.

“She served the people faithfully for many years, and for that, we give thanks.” During condolence messages, the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Mwigulu Nchemba, described Ms Mhagama as a unifier and a dependable leader who believed strongly in hard work, discipline and faith.

“I worked closely with her when she served as Chief Whip in Parliament,” he said. “She treated every responsibility, regardless of the ministry, as her own.

That is why she earned the nickname ‘the patch’, because wherever she was assigned, she performed as if it were her area of expertise.” Mr Nchemba cited her service as Minister for Public Service and later as Minister for Health, saying she brought the same level of commitment and seriousness to every portfolio entrusted to her.

He also spoke of their close personal relationship, describing her as a family friend with whom he shared many discussions beyond official duties. Turning to her children, Mr Nchemba offered words of reassurance.

“You will not be alone or orphaned,” he said. “We will continue to work together.

We, your uncles, are here to ensure that Jenista’s dreams do not end here.” The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, described Ms Mhagama as kind-hearted and humble, saying he had grown very close to her over the years.

He thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Vice-President, ministers, Members of Parliament and other leaders, as well as religious leaders, for standing with the family during the difficult period. “I thank the religious leaders for being with us until tomorrow when we lay Jenista to rest,” he said.

“Family, remain united and love one another. This is a difficult time, but unity will see you through.

” The Chairperson of the CCM Women’s Wing (UWT), Ms Mary Chatanda, recalled Ms Mhagama’s unwavering support during her campaign for the position. “She supported me wholeheartedly,” she said.

“She told me, ‘Chatanda, let us push hard. If we fail, where will I hide my face? People already know I am supporting you.

‘ She did everything possible to ensure that I won.” As Peramiho prepares to lay its long-serving MP to rest, residents say her legacy will endure not only in projects completed, but in the lives she touched and the unity she fostered among her people.

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Dar es Salaam. As the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals draw closer, the Tanzania Mainland Premier League has emerged as a powerful contributor to the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18 next year.

A total of 25 players selected for Afcon will be drawn directly from the domestic league, underlining its growing influence not only on Taifa Stars but also across the African football landscape. Of the 25 players, 20 will don the Tanzania national team jersey, Taifa Stars, while five will represent their respective native countries.

This balance reflects a league that is no longer just a local competition but a regional hub attracting quality talent and preparing players for the highest level of continental football. Among those representing their native nations, Mali will rely on Young Africans’ first choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, whose consistency and composure between the posts have made him one of the league’s stand out performers.

Zimbabwe’s hopes will be boosted by Yanga’s lethal striker Prince Dube, whose goals and physical presence have been crucial both domestically and in continental club competitions. Uganda will have a strong Mainland Premier League connection through two players.

Singida Black Stars’ holding midfielder Khalid Aucho brings experience, tactical discipline and leadership, while Simba’s dependable striker Steven Mukwala offers pace and finishing ability. Nigeria will also be represented through Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, whose commanding displays have earned him recognition beyond Tanzania’s borders.

The largest share of the contribution, however, comes through Taifa Stars. Simba lead the way with seven players namely, Shomari Kapombe, Yusuph Kagoma, Wilson Nangu, Yakub Suleiman, Moris Abraham, Seleman Mwalimu and Kibu Denis.

Their inclusion highlights Simba’s role as a key development platform, providing players with exposure to high-pressure matches both locally and in CAF competitions. Azam FC have also made a strong mark, supplying five Taifa Stars players: Zuberi Foba, Pascal Msindo, Feisal Salum, Iddi Seleman and Lusajo Mwaikenda.

Feisal Salum, in particular, symbolizes the league’s technical growth, having matured into a creative leader capable of influencing games at international level. Singida Black Stars continue to prove that emerging clubs can shape the national team, contributing Hussein Masalanga, Nickson Kibabage and Habibu Idd.

Their rise reflects the league’s increasing competitiveness and the success of investment beyond traditional giants. Young Africans (Yanga) complete the list with four Taifa Stars players: Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein and Dickson Job.

Yanga’s strong domestic dominance and continental ambitions have created an environment where players develop tactical awareness, mental toughness and winning mentality. The impact of the Mainland Premier League on Afcon goes beyond numbers.

Regular competitive matches, improved coaching standards, better facilities and increased financial investment have elevated player readiness. Taifa Stars will head to Morocco with a squad that largely understands each other’s strengths, having trained and competed together week in, week out at club level.

Moreover, the presence of foreign internationals selected from the league enhances its reputation across Africa. Scouts, clubs and national teams are increasingly viewing Tanzania as a credible football market, which in turn motivates local players to raise their standards.

As Afcon approaches, the Tanzania Mainland Premier League stands as a clear pillar of national pride and continental relevance. Its 24 representatives in Morocco are not just participants; they are ambassadors of a league that continues to shape Tanzania’s football identity and ambitions on Africa’s biggest stage.

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Dodoma. Traders involved in the forest produce business have filed an application at the High Court’s main registry in Dodoma seeking permission to sue the government over regulations they say are causing losses to their businesses.

Through their lawyer, Mr Mohamed Tibanyendera, the traders have asked the court to require the Attorney General and the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism to respond to the application, following the publication of the disputed regulations in Government Notice No. 132. The regulations, issued on February 22, 2025, amend Government Notice No.

153 of 2004 governing the harvesting of forest produce. The application was scheduled for hearing yesterday before High Court Judge Imani Aboud, but the matter was adjourned to December 18, 2025, by the Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Main Registry, Ms Mwajabu Mvungi, after the judge was unavailable.

The applicants in the case are Kirungi Kingalu Company Limited, Micco Import and Export Company Limited, Salum Uliza (Sau General Investment), Ibrahim Komba (Shughawana General Traders), El-Fatel Enterprises Co. Limited and MandD Vision Company Limited.

Speaking to journalists outside the High Court in Dodoma, Mr Tibanyendera said the traders were contesting the regulations on the grounds that the legally required procedures for amending the law had not been followed, notwithstanding the applicants’ status as key stakeholders in the forestry sector, including traders, exporters and harvesters of forest produce. He said the regulations have since been enforced by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) in a manner the traders consider unjust, particularly with regard to royalties and the quantity of forest produce they are permitted to collect.

According to Mr Tibanyendera, traders are required to pay royalties on what they are authorised to harvest, but the charges are high because they pay for an entire tree yet are only allowed to collect logs. “They pay for the whole tree, but when it comes to harvesting they are told they cannot take the entire tree and must only collect the log,” he said.

He added that traders are not allowed to take branches and leaves for other uses, as TFS considers the remaining parts to be government property, despite the fact that the traders have paid royalties for the entire tree, including roots, branches and leaves. Mr Tibanyendera said the applicants are asking the court to declare the regulations null and void on the basis that they contravene established law-making procedures.

They are also seeking other reliefs outlined in their application to ensure that due process is followed and their rights are protected. “The applicants pay large sums of money, but when they seek permits and attempt to collect what they have paid for, the procedures appear to change,” he said.

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Shinyanga. A 33-year-old woman, identified as Agness James, a resident of Mwasele Street in Kambarage Ward, Shinyanga Municipality, has died after returning to a burning house to retrieve her money.

Witnesses to the incident, which occurred at around 1.00am on December 16, 2025, said they heard people screaming for help before rushing to the scene.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Mwasele Street, the deceased’s husband, Mr Vincent Kilocha, said he noticed unusual movement in the sitting room before discovering smoke. “I felt as if something was moving in the living room.

When I woke up to check, I saw smoke coming from there. I woke up my wife and children, and we all rushed outside.

I then went to ask for help from a neighbour,” he said. Mr Kilocha explained that after ensuring his family was safe, he went to seek assistance from neighbours by knocking on their gates, as he had left his phone inside the house during the rescue.

“When I returned and asked the children where their mother was, they told me she had gone back inside to collect her money. By then, the fire had grown too strong for me to go back in.

We called the Fire and Rescue Force, who managed to put out the fire, but everything had already been destroyed,” he added. A neighbour, Mr David Johnson, said the fire was already intense when he arrived at the scene.

“By the time I got there, the fire was huge. People were asking about the woman of the house, saying she had gone back inside.

We tried to extinguish the fire using sand and water, but it kept spreading,” he said. He added that firefighters later arrived and extinguished the blaze, after which the woman’s body was found inside the house.

Police officers took the body for further investigations. Mwasele Street chairperson, Mr Cosmas Lucas, said he received the information at around 3.

00am and rushed to the scene, where the fire was still raging. “When we tried calling the Fire and Rescue Force, the phone lines were unstable, so we decided to go and report the incident in person using a motorcycle,” he said.

The Shinyanga Regional Fire and Rescue Force operations officer, Mr Edward Selemani, confirmed the incident and said preliminary investigations indicated the fire was caused by an electrical fault. Mr Selemani urged residents to regularly replace old electrical wiring and avoid connecting too many appliances to a single power source.

“We received the report and arrived at the scene at around 3.00am, where we managed to extinguish the fire.

After putting it out, we recovered the body of the homeowner, who had already died and was found clutching the money she had returned to collect,” he said. .

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Nairobi.Kenya on Monday signed an agreement for the investment of $311 million in the construction of two high-voltage electricity transmission lines with a pan-African infrastructure fund and PowerGrid Corporation of India, the finance ministry said.

The East African nation has turned to public-private partnerships, and securitisation of some revenue streams, to provide funds for infrastructure projects in the face of high public debt and tight fiscal space. Under the power lines deal, Africa50, a Morocco-based infrastructure fund that is mainly owned by African states, will join forces with PowerGrid to design, finance, construct and operate the transmission lines and associated sub-stations, the ministry said.

The project company will “undertake the entire lifecycle of the transmission infrastructure, from construction to operation–over a 30-year concession period”, Africa50 said in a statement. The two lines would “unlock cleaner, affordable, and more reliable power for millions of Kenyans,” it said.

The breakdown of investment, and the expected boost to transmission capacity, were unclear. Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), a state firm, will be the contracting entity.

The project would “enhance system stability, reduce technical losses and load shedding, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy,” the finance ministry said. High demand-driven overloads have been blamed for tripping up the electricity grid in the past, leading to nationwide blackouts.

The government has sought to address that by expanding infrastructure to accommodate demand increases without straining the network. However, Kenya’s debt burden and resistance to new tax hikes has closed off traditional sources of financing for such infrastructure, and President William Ruto has responded by crafting deals with the private sector.

Critics say that strategy exposes the state to additional liabilities through opaque contracts. The government has rejected the criticism.

An earlier attempt by Ruto’s government to build new power transmission lines with India’s Adani Group was cancelled last year after its founder was indicted in the United States. .

Dar es Salaam. A new book by an 18-year-old Tanzanian writer is sparking conversation about the often-silent struggles young people face at home and how family environments shape their emotional lives.

Broken Mirrors, written by Ethan Bakanga and launched on December 13, explores the impact of family dysfunction, unresolved conflict and emotional neglect on children’s mental health and development. The book reflects realities familiar to many Tanzanian households, where cultural norms and respect for elders often discourage children from questioning difficult family situations.

Through its characters, the book examines how experiences at home influence self-worth, relationships and the ability to cope with challenges later in life. Ethan says the stories are meant to help young people articulate emotions they may struggle to express, while also encouraging parents to reflect on their role in shaping their children’s wellbeing.

Speaking to The Citizen, Ethan said his inspiration came from reading novels and watching their film adaptations, paying close attention to how characters deal with inner pain, trauma and personal growth. “Storytelling allows young people to see themselves and understand that what they feel is valid,” he said.

He explained that the title Broken Mirrors is symbolic. “Broken” represents dysfunctional family settings, while “mirrors” call for self-reflection, encouraging readers to look inward and understand the roots of their struggles.

“Once young people understand themselves and their family dynamics, they can begin breaking cycles of pain,” he said. The book’s journey from idea to publication took nearly ten months and involved writing, editing, design and close collaboration with publishers.

Ethan says the process taught him discipline and resilience, lessons he hopes will inspire other young people to pursue their passions. “If you love something, commit to it.

Don’t let others define your path,” he said. The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office [Employment, Labour and Youth Development], Ms Rahma Riadh Kisuo, said the book addresses a critical but often overlooked issue.

“This book speaks directly to the mental health challenges young people face at home. It does more than tell a story; it offers guidance on how families can respond,” she said.

She called on institutions that work with youth to support young writers. Ethan’s mother, Ms Prudence Masako, Country Director at CARE Tanzania, said the writing process brought the family closer together.

“It takes persistence to keep going despite exhaustion and doubt. But sharing a story like this matters,” she said.

Tanzanian author and poet Ms Nahida Ismail, who reviewed the manuscript, said Ethan’s growth as a writer reflects a broader shift in the country’s reading culture. “For years we were told Tanzanians do not read.

Young writers are proving that wrong,” she said. Through Broken Mirrors, Ethan Bakanga invites young people to speak openly about their experiences, urges parents to listen, and challenges society to create safer spaces for youth–one story at a time.

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Dar es Salaam. Commercial drivers will soon face stricter limits on how long they can stay behind the wheel under new regulations aimed at reducing fatigue-related road accidents and improving public safety.

The draft Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Fatigue Risk Management for Drivers) Regulations, 2025, introduce clear caps on daily and weekly driving hours, alongside mandatory rest periods, as part of a broader effort to manage fatigue risks in public and commercial transport. Under the proposed rules, a driver will not be allowed to drive a public service vehicle for more than nine hours within a 24-hour period, nor exceed 48 driving hours in seven days.

In addition, drivers must not drive for more than five consecutive hours without taking a resting break. To reinforce safety, the regulations make rest compulsory.

Drivers will be required to take at least 10 hours of rest within every 24 hours, a 30-minute break after every five consecutive hours of driving, and 24 consecutive hours of rest within seven working days. Additionally, drivers will be required to take mandatory breaks every four hours for at least 10 to 20 minutes, ensuring they are fit to drive.

The Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting for December 22. Latra legal services head Mwadawa Sultan told The Citizen that the proposed regulations aim to address a significant gap in road safety oversight by formally recognising driver fatigue–a growing factor in serious road crashes. “While current laws cover aspects like licensing and penalties for speeding, they fall short in dealing with the dangers posed by driver fatigue,” she said.

With Tanzania operating a 24-hour transport system, Ms Sultan acknowledged its advantages, yet warned of the risks involved. “Accidents can occur not just from speeding, but also when a driver is tired, sick, or falls asleep, leading to serious collisions,” she said.

According to her, focusing solely on speeding does not address a crucial cause of road accidents. “A driver might not be speeding, but fatigue can still result in severe consequences for passengers and other road users.

” Ms Sultan noted that some private companies in Tanzania already implement fatigue management systems, including alert devices designed to warn drivers exhibiting signs of exhaustion. “These measures aim to prevent overworking drivers, which poses risks to passengers, other road users, and the entire transport sector,” she said.

The proposed regulations explicitly prohibit both drivers and service providers from allowing a vehicle to be driven if the driver is fatigued or suspected to be unfit to drive, citing risks to passengers, other road users and road infrastructure. Service providers will now be required to prepare and implement a Fatigue Risk Management Plan, detailing how driving hours, rest breaks, driver exchanges and fatigue monitoring will be managed.

These plans must be approved by Latra and reviewed whenever operational changes occur. For long journeys exceeding eight driving hours, the regulations require the use of co-drivers, particularly for intercity buses, with clearly designated driver-change points.

Goods-carrying and commuter vehicles will also be required to ensure driver rest or exchange once the eight-hour threshold is reached. Drivers, for their part, will be obliged to formally declare their fitness before starting each journey, accurately record working and resting hours in an official workbook, and report fatigue whenever they are unfit to continue driving.

Failure to do so may attract penalties or suspension of certification The regulations give Latra powers to suspend or revoke licences and driver certificates for repeated violations, particularly where non-compliance poses a threat to public safety. Both drivers and service providers may also face fines or imprisonment upon conviction for breaching the rules The regulations also place emphasis on education, requiring both drivers and service providers to have basic knowledge of the causes and prevention of fatigue, including the risks associated with long working hours, poor sleep, stress and alcohol use Officials believe that once fully implemented, the new framework will significantly reduce fatigue-related accidents while promoting a safer and more disciplined road transport sector.

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Dar es Salaam. Ardhi University has committed to allocating land and supporting facilities at its main Dar es Salaam campus to develop the Chinese Professional and Technical Skills Training Centre.

The university shared its commitment recently during the launch of an Ardhi University campus initiative in Dar es Salaam. The initiative was jointly established by Ardhi University, China’s Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering (CQVIE), and the Chinese construction firm Group Six International Ltd to promote talent development and industrial upgrading in Tanzania.

The major cooperation programme injects fresh momentum into efforts to nurture and develop skills among Tanzanians, marking a significant step forward for the country in engineering education and international collaboration. The new centre will focus on Tanzania’s urgent needs in construction, engineering, and emerging industries by integrating Chinese language instruction with engineering-related vocational training, thereby equipping young people with improved language proficiency and practical technical skills.

The event was attended by Ardhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Evaristo Liwa, CQVIE Vice-President Liu Ming, and Group Six International Ltd chairman Huang Zaisheng, alongside representatives from all three parties. In his speech, Prof Liwa emphasised that the Luban Workshop has become a model of TanzaniaChina cooperation in vocational education, helping to foster a large pool of practice-oriented technical personnel.

“Ardhi University will allocate dedicated land and supporting facilities at its main campus in Dar es Salaam to further develop the Chinese Professional and Technical Skills Training Centre. This will be done while expanding the scope and depth of cooperation to strengthen the tripartite partnership,” he said.

CQVIE Vice-President and President Liu noted that the Luban Workshop has established a strong platform for vocational education exchange between China and Tanzania. “The establishment of the new training centre would further promote innovation in talent development and create additional opportunities for Tanzanian youth,” he said.

Group Six International Ltd Chairman Huang said the company will continue to support the upgrading of the Luban Workshop and the construction of the new training centre, working closely with both universities to accelerate the implementation of the TanzaniaChina Engineering Technology Institute. The three parties conducted an internal assessment focusing on the planning of teaching spaces, curriculum development, enhancement of teachers’ capacities, and improvement of facilities, laying a solid foundation for the next phase of cooperation.

As a key initiative under the Belt and Road framework, the centre is expected to train high-calibre talent with advanced engineering skills, provide strong human resource support for modern industrial development in Tanzania, and contribute to the country’s high-quality economic and social development. .