Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its resolve to draw more investors by enhancing the business climate through upgraded infrastructure and consistent support in tackling operational hurdles.

The aim is to spur employment, raise national revenue, and accelerate the growth of a competitive industrial economy. Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga delivered the remarks on Friday December 12, 2025 during a tour of the Goodwill and KEDA factories in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.

She was accompanied by Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Nasri Ali, Industrial Development Director Juma Mwambapa, the Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Industrial and Trade Investment, and representatives from Tanzania Bureau of Statistics (TBS), Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO), and Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). Minister Kapinga said the visit sought to review production processes, hear challenges facing the factories, and pinpoint areas where the government could intervene.

She praised both factories for sourcing raw materials locally and producing high-quality “Made in Tanzania” goods for international markets, including the United States and Italy. “I commend the factories for their notable role in job creation.

Goodwill Factory employs 1,600 workers directly, while KEDA offers 5,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs, a major contribution towards the government’s target of creating eight million jobs,” she said. Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Ali reiterated the district’s commitment to nurturing a favourable investment environment, stressing that Tanzania remains a secure and attractive destination for investors.

Goodwill Factory General Manager Eric Jiang and KEDA Deputy CEO Wayne Zhong expressed appreciation to the government for its ongoing support. Jiang noted that government cooperation motivates investors to choose Tanzania as a reliable and enabling investment hub.

“We have managed to generate jobs both directly and indirectly through our factories, and we also obtain raw materials locally,” he said. Speaking on behalf of workers, KEDA and Goodwill’s Jelly Marandu and John Chimwejo urged public and private institutions to continue backing the factories, saying their growth boosts youth employment and strengthens local and national economies.

Their appeal underscores the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors for continued national progress. .

align–justifyDar es Salaam. The government has announced a far-reaching human resource audit across the public sector, marking one of the most comprehensive workforce evaluations in recent years as Tanzania accelerates its digital shift to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

align–justifySpeaking during a press briefing on December 12, 2025, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the audit aims to identify skills gaps, rationalise staffing needs, and align the public workforce with national development goals. align–justify”The government is conducting a wide assessment of public servants with the aim of identifying the current human resource needs within the public service,” he said.

align–justifyHe added that the initiative responds directly to the ruling party’s directives to strengthen accountability, modernise work systems, and enhance productivity in the public sector. align–justifyMr Kikwete linked the audit to broader national aspirations under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which calls for a public sector capable of catalysing economic growth, spurring innovation, and generating new opportunities for young people.

align–justify”Dira 2050 has directed that priority sectors should have the capacity to generate their own employment and stimulate job creation in other sectors,” he explained. align–justifyHe noted that the government has also been tasked with increasing employment opportunities for young people, raising incomes, reducing poverty, and ensuring that at least 8.

5 million jobs are created by 2030. align–justifyTo support this agenda, the government issued 41,500 new job permits in the 2025/26 financial year, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge of 12,000 new positions–5,000 in the health sector and 7,000 in science and mathematics education, in her 100 days in office. align–justify”These positions are being filled through an open and competitive process as required by policy,” he said, noting that shortlisting had been completed and that interviews begin on December 13 across all regions and Zanzibar.

align–justifyA major milestone in the recruitment overhaul is the introduction of the Online Aptitude Test System (OATS), which will conduct screening examinations electronically in universities, VETA institutions, and secondary schools equipped with computer laboratories. align–justify”This is meant to ensure that the interviews are conducted for all qualified candidates on time and efficiently,” Mr Kikwete said.

align–justifyHe urged applicants to monitor their ‘Ajira Portal’ accounts to confirm their interview centres, adding that successful candidates will receive their appointment letters through the same platform from January 2026. align–justifyTo strengthen citizen engagement and improve feedback loops, the government has upgraded the ‘e-Mrejesho’ platform, which now includes a new “Speak to a Leader” feature that allows citizens to send comments, complaints, or compliments directly to ministers, regional commissioners, district commissioners, or heads of public institutions. align–justify”All citizens will be able to submit feedback directly to a leader and receive responses via SMS,” he said.

He further noted that the information collected “will be analysed for the purpose of improving services provided to the public,” with a more user-friendly mobile app on the way. align–justifyAnother key reform is the ‘Government Service Directory (GSD)’, a digital tool that consolidates information about public services such as requirements, costs, locations, and complaint procedures.

align–justifyThe system, Mr Kikwete said, is designed to align with the expectations of Tanzania’s increasingly digital-savvy youth. align–justifySo far, 84 percent of public servants and 93 percent of public institutions have adopted the accompanying performance management system, ‘e-Utendaji’, formerly PEPMIS/PIPMIS.

align–justify”This step has enabled the government to identify the level of performance among public servants and institutions on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-year, and annual basis,” he noted. align–justifyMr Kikwete also emphasised the government’s plan to intensify leadership and ethics training for ministers, deputy ministers, and senior officials.

align–justify”As this office has the responsibility to enhance excellence within the public service, we will continue offering training to ensure that we build a productive and high-quality public service,” he said. align–justifyAnti-corruption and governance reforms align–justifyHe reiterated that institutions such as the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) are scaling up the use of digital systems to curb corruption hotspots, seal revenue leakages, and reinforce ethical governance between 2025 and 2030. align–justifyMr Kikwete stressed that the ongoing reforms, in auditing, digital transformation, ethics, training, and citizen engagement, reflect a government intent on building a modern public service aligned with Tanzania’s 2050 ambitions.

align–justify”All these actions demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to creating a public service that is efficient, accountable, and grounded in the principles of good governance,” he said. align–justifyHe added that Vision 2050 aspires to have more than 80 percent of government services delivered digitally by 2050, ensuring greater convenience, transparency, and responsiveness for all citizens.

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Dar es Salaam. Innovative financing mechanisms and stronger private-sector participation are essential to accelerating Tanzania’s inclusive economic transformation, the Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Fred Msemwa, has said.

Dr Msemwa made the remarks in Dodoma yesterday during a meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, who paid a courtesy call to explore areas of collaboration between the two institutions. He said the government is pushing ahead with major policy and structural reforms intended to clear bottlenecks to the implementation of Dira 2050, the long-term development vision that seeks to propel Tanzania towards a $1 trillion economy by mid-century.

“Active private-sector participation, coupled with comprehensive policy and structural reforms, is critical to achieving an economy that is inclusive for all Tanzanians,” he said. Dr Msemwa noted that several priority sectors– including agriculture, tourism, sports, logistics, mining and energy–have been earmarked to drive economic transformation and generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Mr Komatsubara stressed the importance of a holistic approach to structural transformation and maintaining long-term development focus. “NPC plays a crucial role.

Coming from Japan, I have seen how such transformations are necessary to building an equitable and inclusive economy through the implementation of a national vision,” he said, adding that happiness and well-being remain central to sustainable development. The National Planning Commission, established under the National Planning Commission Act, Cap 127, is mandated to coordinate economic management, development planning and the implementation of approved national plans.

It operates under the leadership of the President and serves as the government’s highest advisory body on planning and economic management. NPC is also responsible for formulating Tanzania’s long-term, medium-term and short-term development plans, monitoring their implementation–including strategic and flagship projects–and preparing the National Development Vision that guides the country’s overall planning framework.

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Dodoma. The Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has identified four key areas he says remain the biggest loopholes for the loss and misuse of public funds–procurement, contracts, issuance of licences and revenue collection.

Dr Mwigulu made the remarks yesterday during a meeting with officials from the Ethics Secretariat for Public Leaders, held as part of his ongoing familiarisation tour of government institutions. He also directed leaders across the country to prepare for a mandatory national declaration exercise in which every public servant will be required to list their assets and explain how they were acquired.

“I decided to let the country settle first because we have just come from a storm. If I trigger another immediately, it will not be ideal.

But it is coming, and you will witness the commotion. It is unacceptable for people to feast on what belongs to others,” Dr Mwigulu said.

Procurement “number one source of loss” The Prime Minister said procurement remains the leading area where public money is siphoned off, followed by valuation and revenue collection, and then contracts and the issuance of licences. He noted that systemic corruption is causing severe damage, citing cases where government projects have stalled because officials allegedly shared the project funds among themselves, leaving contractors unable to proceed.

In sectors like mining and land licensing, Dr Mwigulu condemned the exploitation of vulnerable applicants by corrupt officials. “Go and investigate.

Someone applies for a mining licence, but because of their vulnerability, officials see it as an opportunity, share the benefits among themselves, and deny the rightful applicant their due. This is also happening in land matters.

It is unacceptable,” he stressed. Ethics declarations to be enforced Dr Mwigulu ordered that all public servants be compelled to fill in ethics declaration forms, starting with departments deemed to have high corruption risks.

He directed that the process be fast-tracked in collaboration with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and other agencies. While affirming that owning wealth is not a crime, the Prime Minister maintained that the source of such wealth is what truly matters.

He highlighted the current inefficiency where high-influence individuals, such as members of tender committees, often file cursory statements that are simply stored away, while individuals not directly involved in corruption-prone operations are still required to fill out comprehensive forms. Ethics authorities urged to act Earlier, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwan Kikwete, said it was unacceptable for leaders to be widely accused of wrongdoing while ethics watchdogs remained silent.

Mr Kikwete said that even he had faced accusations, yet no authority had summoned him for questioning to establish the truth. “It is impossible for someone to have teeth and fail to bite.

If the Commission does not act, we will continue to have leaders who lack patriotism in this country. We must act,” he said.

Lack of evidence a major obstacle The Commissioner of Ethics for Public Leaders, retired Judge Sivangilwa Mwangesi, said the Commission was often hampered by a lack of evidence, as many complainants feared to come forward. He added that limited legal awareness among citizens contributed to the shortage of credible information needed to expose misconduct.

Judge Mwangesi said that in the last financial year, 62 cases were brought before the Commission, with 16 percent of the complaints found to be defective. .

Dar es Salaam. Chadema has declared the October 29, 2025 General Election “null and void,” calling for all results to be cancelled and replaced with a fresh poll supervised by an independent electoral body under strict local and international oversight.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, however, recently defended the October 29 polls, saying they were legitimate and that Chadema was not barred from participating but chose not to for fear of losing. “The process was free, fair and conducted within the bounds of the law,” she said, dismissing claims that her administration lacked legitimacy.

The President noted that the decision by some political actors to withdraw was self-initiated, not imposed by the State. “Nobody stopped them.

They withdrew on their own. They knew they were heading into a contest they would not win,” she said.

In April, Chadema was disqualified from participating after failing to sign the 2025 Election Code of Ethics as part of its No Reform, No Election agenda. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had warned that parties refusing to sign the code would automatically be disqualified from the October 29 polls to elect a president, MPs, and councillors.

President Hassan described CCM’s landslide victory as a reflection of the government’s record over the past four years. “CCM achieved a big victory because of the work we have done socially and economically.

Tanzanians saw the progress and made their choice,” she said. Addressing criticism of the post-election security crackdown, the President added: “These were not demonstrations.

These were organised acts of violence aimed at causing chaos and toppling the government. No responsible nation would stand by and watch.

We took an oath to protect this country and its people. The government you elected is lawful, and we will continue to fulfil our duties.

” Chadema formally announced its stance in Dar es Salaam through its Vice Chairman (Mainland), John Heche, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Reading the statement adopted by the party’s Central Committee, Mr Heche said: “The election was conducted in an environment that made a legitimate outcome impossible. The entire process lacks legal, political and moral credibility.

” The statement claims NEC has no independence in its appointment, structure, or operations, making it impossible for citizens to trust the electoral process. “The commission failed to uphold the rights of citizens to participate freely and fairly,” it said, describing the election as “fundamentally compromised.

” Chadema insists the results cannot be recognised. “President Samia Suluhu Hassan did not gain lawful authority from this process.

She is an illegitimate leader who did not obtain the consent of the people, and governance emerging from the October 29 poll rests on repression and the abuse of state institutions,” Mr Heche said. The party cited widespread violations, including detention of leaders, disruption of campaigns, restrictions on gatherings, interference with communication, and the use of violence and intimidation before, during, and after the election.

“Chadema members and supporters were subjected to arrests, assaults, disappearances and threats aimed at discouraging participation. Communication channels were blocked and the heavy presence of security forces distorted the environment necessary for free political engagement,” Mr Heche said.

Chadema insists a full, impartial investigation is needed. “It is necessary to form a commission of local and international experts to examine killings, disappearances, torture, unlawful detentions, and other acts committed against citizens,” the statement read.

Several people remain unaccounted for, and families have not received answers regarding missing relatives. “Tanzanians deserve truth, justice and accountability.

Those who planned, financed or executed these violations must be held fully responsible,” Mr Heche said. The party is also demanding compensation for families who lost relatives, those who suffered permanent injuries, and citizens whose property was destroyed.

“These were not ordinary losses but consequences of the state’s unlawful actions,” the statement added. Chadema is calling for sweeping reforms across governance and legal structures.

“The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the courts, security organs, and local government systems must be reformed. Current arrangements have failed to guarantee justice, equality, and political freedoms,” it said.

The party also demands a new constitution. “The shortcomings in the 1977 Constitution have contributed to repeated electoral crises and concentrated power in ways that undermine democratic accountability.

Tanzania needs a free, fair and trustworthy electoral system,” the statement read. To restore confidence in governance, Chadema is calling for a Transitional Government.

“It will oversee comprehensive reforms and organise a fresh, credible election. It must not be led by President Hassan and must be a neutral, widely accepted leadership structure supported by local and international institutions,” it added.

Chadema also announced it will not cooperate with the current administration. “Avoid meetings or engagements that may be used to legitimise a government we do not recognise,” Mr Heche directed party leaders and supporters.

The party says it stands with young people, activists, religious leaders and all citizens calling for political change, constitutional reforms, and a credible democratic future. “We remain committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that what happened never happens again.

The struggle for democracy will continue until every citizen’s rights are respected,” the statement reads in part. .

Dar es Salaam. Leaders across political and institutional spheres are being urged to avoid surrounding themselves with bootlickers who offer only praise, even when leaders are clearly in the wrong.

Such flattery can mislead, weaken decision-making, and ultimately derail progress. This was said yesterday by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ms Regina Qwaray, during the launch of the Emerging Leaders Programme in Dar es Salaam.

“True leadership requires the courage to listen to uncomfortable truths. While many political leaders prefer hearing only what gratifies them, real leaders welcome honest feedback, even when it challenges their assumptions.

Bootlickers may bring comfort, but they do not bring growth,” she said. She stressed that in the 21st century, leaders must embrace continuous learning.

“To meet our responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to national development, we must work diligently and patriotically, aligning our efforts with the nation’s priorities and safeguarding its interests. Building a sense of patriotism in our youth is essential for long-term progress” Further she said effective leadership also begins with self-awareness.

Recognize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and use that understanding to navigate institutional environments wisely. She said leaders must regularly evaluate their actions, identify gaps in their performance, and develop a personal growth plan to address them.

“Change is constant. Leaders who cling to the mindset of the 1990s while leading followers in the 2000s will inevitably fall behind.

Growth, adaptability, and humility are not optional they are the standards of modern leadership.” In another development, she underscored that Tanzania’s ambition to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050 will only be achieved through effective planning, strong strategies, and a capable, motivated workforce.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister emphasized that leadership transformation is at the heart of the nation’s development journey, especially as Tanzania continues to implement major frameworks including the SDGs 2030, Agenda 2063, and Tanzania Development Vision 2050. She noted that preparing the next generation of leaders is not only a national responsibility but a necessity in today’s rapidly changing world. She said the Emerging Leaders Training Programme developed in partnership with Finland, HAUS, and the Uongozi Institute was lauded as a crucial initiative for building leadership capacity in Tanzania and across Africa.

The Deputy Minister thanked the partners for contributing to a programme that will strengthen the nation’s ability to deliver quality services and meet citizens’ expectations. “I encourage participants to embrace three key practices to recognize your strengths and weaknesses for self-assessment is essential for effective leadership development, develop a personal development Plan because leaders must dedicate time to improving their areas of weakness, using tools such as coaching and peer-coaching.

” She called on them to commit to continuous learning citing futurist Alvin Toffler, and urged leaders to learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant and avoid becoming barriers to progress. The Deputy Minister congratulated the selected participants, urging them to tackle challenges collaboratively and base their decisions on evidence and careful analysis.

She expressed confidence that the programme would inspire positive behavioural and leadership changes across the public service. Uongozi Institute, Chief Executive Officer, Kadari Singo said the training develops a growth mindset that fosters resilience and flexibility in uncertainties.

“The training helps participants become great communicators who can inspire change, elps participants understand how organization of culture can hinder or promote success, helps participants build confidence and realize their full potential” .

Dar es Salaam. Chadema has declared the October 29, 2025 General Election “null and void,” calling for all results to be cancelled and replaced with a fresh poll supervised by an independent electoral body under strict local and international oversight.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, however, recently defended the October 29 polls, saying they were legitimate and that Chadema was not barred from participating but chose not to for fear of losing. “The process was free, fair and conducted within the bounds of the law,” she said, dismissing claims that her administration lacked legitimacy.

The President noted that the decision by some political actors to withdraw was self-initiated, not imposed by the State. “Nobody stopped them.

They withdrew on their own. They knew they were heading into a contest they would not win,” she said.

In April, Chadema was disqualified from participating after failing to sign the 2025 Election Code of Ethics as part of its No Reform, No Election agenda. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had warned that parties refusing to sign the code would automatically be disqualified from the October 29 polls to elect a president, MPs, and councillors.

President Hassan described CCM’s landslide victory as a reflection of the government’s record over the past four years. “CCM achieved a big victory because of the work we have done socially and economically.

Tanzanians saw the progress and made their choice,” she said. Addressing criticism of the post-election security crackdown, the President added: “These were not demonstrations.

These were organised acts of violence aimed at causing chaos and toppling the government. No responsible nation would stand by and watch.

We took an oath to protect this country and its people. The government you elected is lawful, and we will continue to fulfil our duties.

” Chadema formally announced its stance in Dar es Salaam through its Vice Chairman (Mainland), John Heche, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Reading the statement adopted by the party’s Central Committee, Mr Heche said: “The election was conducted in an environment that made a legitimate outcome impossible. The entire process lacks legal, political and moral credibility.

” The statement claims NEC has no independence in its appointment, structure, or operations, making it impossible for citizens to trust the electoral process. “The commission failed to uphold the rights of citizens to participate freely and fairly,” it said, describing the election as “fundamentally compromised.

” Chadema insists the results cannot be recognised. “President Samia Suluhu Hassan did not gain lawful authority from this process.

She is an illegitimate leader who did not obtain the consent of the people, and governance emerging from the October 29 poll rests on repression and the abuse of state institutions,” Mr Heche said. The party cited widespread violations, including detention of leaders, disruption of campaigns, restrictions on gatherings, interference with communication, and the use of violence and intimidation before, during, and after the election.

“Chadema members and supporters were subjected to arrests, assaults, disappearances and threats aimed at discouraging participation. Communication channels were blocked and the heavy presence of security forces distorted the environment necessary for free political engagement,” Mr Heche said.

Chadema insists a full, impartial investigation is needed. “It is necessary to form a commission of local and international experts to examine killings, disappearances, torture, unlawful detentions, and other acts committed against citizens,” the statement read.

Several people remain unaccounted for, and families have not received answers regarding missing relatives. “Tanzanians deserve truth, justice and accountability.

Those who planned, financed or executed these violations must be held fully responsible,” Mr Heche said. The party is also demanding compensation for families who lost relatives, those who suffered permanent injuries, and citizens whose property was destroyed.

“These were not ordinary losses but consequences of the state’s unlawful actions,” the statement added. Chadema is calling for sweeping reforms across governance and legal structures.

“The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the courts, security organs, and local government systems must be reformed. Current arrangements have failed to guarantee justice, equality, and political freedoms,” it said.

The party also demands a new constitution. “The shortcomings in the 1977 Constitution have contributed to repeated electoral crises and concentrated power in ways that undermine democratic accountability.

Tanzania needs a free, fair and trustworthy electoral system,” the statement read. To restore confidence in governance, Chadema is calling for a Transitional Government.

“It will oversee comprehensive reforms and organise a fresh, credible election. It must not be led by President Hassan and must be a neutral, widely accepted leadership structure supported by local and international institutions,” it added.

Chadema also announced it will not cooperate with the current administration. “Avoid meetings or engagements that may be used to legitimise a government we do not recognise,” Mr Heche directed party leaders and supporters.

The party says it stands with young people, activists, religious leaders and all citizens calling for political change, constitutional reforms, and a credible democratic future. “We remain committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that what happened never happens again.

The struggle for democracy will continue until every citizen’s rights are respected,” the statement reads in part. .

The story of Pilot Abeid Soka is a testament to determination, a real-life example of how sheer will can align with the universe to grant you what you want, but only through pure grit, hustle, and ambition. The Chinese have a saying: ‘The best time to plant a tree was a hundred years ago; the next best time is now.

‘ Soka’s professional life has always revolved around tourism as a tour guide, walking around the Serengeti plains, but deep in his heart, he knew he was meant to fly. While other pilots will cage you in an iron bird for the duration of your flight, Pilot Soka lets your eyes soar high and watch the sunrise while the herd of elephants roam through the Serengeti plains.

For the last 17 years, he has been a safari hot air balloon pilot, with numerous journeys under his belt and lots of adventures treasured in his heart. Evidently, he and his colleagues continue to cement their place in Tanzania’s ever-diversifying tourism sector.

Pilot Abeid Soka They are still in celebratory mode; they are just coming from the World Travel Awards in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they won World’s Leading Balloon Ride Company 2025. Behind the scenes are hard-working hours that Tanzanians like Soka dedicate to their craft. Which will rarely be noticed or acknowledged.

But it is something that he wakes up to every morning, knowing he is living a dream he worked so hard for. What would make a Tanzanian local tour operator outshine the rest across the globe? Soka affirms that their experience accumulated over 35 years of flying hot air balloons in Tanzania.

It’s a norm to hear of Tanzanians flying aircraft; Air Tanzania has a substantial number of those, but local balloon pilots are somewhat of an anomaly. Soka, by then a notable safari guide, would normally take his clients to ride in the hot air balloons after they had completed their safaris in the national parks.

The balloon company would, occasionally, offer the safari guides a spot to fly alongside their clients. “When I took my first ride, I was hooked,” he remembers.

That was the start of his journey in pursuit of one day not only being a passenger but also steering the balloon to the skies. Being on the first balloon ride is mind-blowing, to say the least.

You watch yourself elevated above the trees, and suddenly the Serengeti is below your feet, so are its wild beasts and lush environment. While one is expected to be fixated on the scenery, on his first flight, Soka had his eyes on the operator and how he was navigating the balloon.

He kept his eyes on his hand movements every step of the way, and he kept absorbing what was happening, oblivious to the beautiful picturesque everyone was mesmerised by. Pilot Abeid Soka Subsequently, he would go on a search to find how he could study to become a balloon pilot, initially hitting a snag because no Tanzanian institution offered such studies.

When he hit the wall, he boldly sought after the Balloon Safari’s owner and asked him if he could help in finding a place to learn how to fly. Additionally, he asked if the owner could provide him with a scholarship.

A request that would take him 3 years of persistently knocking on his door before he would realise that Soka was not the one to give up, and he was determined to learn the trade. His first training took him to Tuscany in Italy, a hot air balloon enthusiast’s paradise due to its convenient weather.

There, he enrolled in a British-owned institution, and after three months of vigorous training, he acquired his British private hot-air balloon pilot licence in 2007. He came back home to Tanzania. Upon his return, he would ride along with experienced pilots and watch what they were doing, sharpening his skills.

After a few months, he felt confident enough to then go study for a commercial licence, which took him to the state of California in the United States. Training at the airport and Temecula Valley towards the end of 2007. The hot air balloon pilot training requires a strong science subject background; one has to have a good command of English, with a background in mathematics, geography and physics, of which Soka excelled.

Fear of heights is not within Soka; he actually finds his peace when he is up in the sky. “That’s my passion; I can go as high as the oxygen is available in the sky,” he said.

“Most people who say they have a fear of heights, it’s because they have never tried getting a ride in a hot air balloon, but when they do, all that fear goes away,” he attested. Pilot Soka describes a hot air balloon ride as the most peaceful mode of safari rides.

The aerial perspective of the wildlife and the Serengeti is nothing like anything you see when trekking on the ground. Unlike the ground safari, balloon rides are designed to offer a different kind of exploration, seeking wildlife, which is often found, but it’s a bonus.

The rides are more for a panoramic view, a scenic feast for the eyes. The whole journey experience as you leave the ground is what tourists go for; from the vegetation, the hills, mountains, woodlands and the sunrise in Serengeti, it guarantees one to have an exceptionally good day for the 40-60 minutes you spend in the air.

Although pilots would on occasion navigate the hot air balloon as low as 200 feet above ground, so that tourists could see the wildlife a little bit closer. Soka said they have the utmost respect for wildlife and to stay as far as possible so as not to disrupt their lives.

“We give the animals a good distance, from 200 to 500 feet, so that clients can take photos but not at the cost of the animals’ well-being,” he added. The balloon lowers so that they can recognise the animals and soak in the moment, but not put animals or the client in any danger.

For the millions of tourists who flock to Tanzania to visit its numerous national parks and beaches and even climb Kilimanjaro, Soka urges you to use this relatively environmentally friendly mode of transportation. That typically uses propane as fuel, which burns cleanly and produces minimal emissions.

“Try climbing into a hot air balloon because you have no idea what you are missing. Whoever goes on a balloon flight will never stop doing it, I guarantee that,” he affirmed.

Regardless of one’s height or weight, a hot air balloon is for everyone; there are balloons for 8, 12 and 16 seaters, with all calculations done to consider takeoff mass. The flights are conducted with the utmost care and adherence to strict flight regulations to ensure smooth operations and maximum enjoyment for all onboard.

For those planning to visit Tanzania, Soka said any time of the year Serengeti is amazing and a balloon ride will be equally enjoyable. “In Serengeti, we have animals throughout the year, 365 days a year; this is their home,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its resolve to draw more investors by enhancing the business climate through upgraded infrastructure and consistent support in tackling operational hurdles.

The aim is to spur employment, raise national revenue, and accelerate the growth of a competitive industrial economy. Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga delivered the remarks on Friday December 12, 2025 during a tour of the Goodwill and KEDA factories in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.

She was accompanied by Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Nasri Ali, Industrial Development Director Juma Mwambapa, the Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Industrial and Trade Investment, and representatives from Tanzania Bureau of Statistics (TBS), Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO), and Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). Minister Kapinga said the visit sought to review production processes, hear challenges facing the factories, and pinpoint areas where the government could intervene.

She praised both factories for sourcing raw materials locally and producing high-quality “Made in Tanzania” goods for international markets, including the United States and Italy. “I commend the factories for their notable role in job creation.

Goodwill Factory employs 1,600 workers directly, while KEDA offers 5,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs, a major contribution towards the government’s target of creating eight million jobs,” she said. Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Ali reiterated the district’s commitment to nurturing a favourable investment environment, stressing that Tanzania remains a secure and attractive destination for investors.

Goodwill Factory General Manager Eric Jiang and KEDA Deputy CEO Wayne Zhong expressed appreciation to the government for its ongoing support. Jiang noted that government cooperation motivates investors to choose Tanzania as a reliable and enabling investment hub.

“We have managed to generate jobs both directly and indirectly through our factories, and we also obtain raw materials locally,” he said. Speaking on behalf of workers, KEDA and Goodwill’s Jelly Marandu and John Chimwejo urged public and private institutions to continue backing the factories, saying their growth boosts youth employment and strengthens local and national economies.

Their appeal underscores the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors for continued national progress. .

Dar es Salaam. In the wake of the October 29, 2025, civil unrest and the heightened security measures implemented ahead of Independence Day on December 9, daily life in Dar es Salaam has changed noticeably for many residents.

The events have altered routines, spending habits, travel patterns and even social behaviour across the city. One of the main lessons from this period is how households adapted their spending amid growing uncertainty.

Many residents cut back on non-essential purchases, focusing on necessities such as food, household supplies and other essentials that could sustain them in case of disruptions. Dar es Salaam resident Godfrey Urio said his spending this December changed completely due to fears of another demonstration.

“I had to spend a significant amount of money to stock food. I did not have enough money, so I had to borrow just to make sure my family remained safe in case anything happened.

This completely ruined my budget, and this Christmas will be dull because of that. On the other hand, I am relieved that I no longer have to worry about daily expenses as much as before,” he said.

Temporary transport disruptions and fluctuating business hours in some urban areas also contributed to higher prices for selected items, prompting short-term stockpiling. Small traders and retailers reported reduced foot traffic as residents adjusted their schedules to avoid long commutes and potential delays.

Carrying personal identification became increasingly common as security forces intensified checks in major urban centres. A banker, who requested anonymity, said she once failed to deliver food to a patient because she had not carried her ID.

“From that day, I carry all my IDs in one wallet to avoid unnecessary challenges,” she said. Army officers and police have been deployed across key urban corridors, including bus stands, major intersections, transport hubs, and markets.

Their presence was particularly noticeable around December 9, when patrols increased to prevent gatherings and maintain order. Checkpoints and roadblocks remained in place throughout the day, enforcing movement control and creating a subdued atmosphere in the city.

For his part, Mr Ramadhan Mbaga of Kimanga, said it has been difficult to adjust to seeing armed army officers as part of daily life. “I feel uncomfortable walking around and seeing army officers with guns on their shoulders.

We never lived like this before, but it is something we are learning to cope with,” he said. For the resident of Mbezi Msakuzi, Mary Mushi, the events of October 29 have highlighted how people are increasingly embracing a quieter, more reflective lifestyle.

“Nowadays, after work, I go back home very early. Majority of people are indoors by 7pm, either resting or catching up with family by phone.

I speak to my mother in Moshi almost every evening,” she said. Mr Jackson, a boda-boda rider, noted that the trend of returning home early began gradually but became more pronounced after late October.

Driver Abdallah Said, at Magomeni, added that travel patterns have shifted, with passengers returning home earlier and limiting visits to relatives. Overall, the combination of heightened security, disrupted routines, and cautious behaviour has transformed the daily rhythm of Dar es Salaam, leaving residents more careful, more digitally connected, and more focused on immediate family and household needs.

Psychologist Charles Nduku told The Citizen that what happened on October 29 and the ongoing situation must be necessary for national leaders and security organs to reassure the public about the country’s safety in order to restore people’s confidence even though this process may take time, as the nation had never experienced anything like this before. He explained that families and relatives who lost their loved ones also need clarity on what transpired so that they can begin to move on.

, although this remains extremely difficult for many, especially those who were neither able to bury nor see the bodies of their relatives. Mr Nduku encouraged the public who are still anxious or overwhelmed to seek counsellors and mental-health support, as these are important measures to help them heal and cope with the current situation.

The police should continue providing frequent security updates to ease public fear and keep public informed. .