Category: The Citizen

Mbeya. Vice President Dr Philip Mpango has called on Tanzanian leaders and citizens to emulate the virtues of the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and continue praying for him to be among the saints.

Dr Mpango made the call on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 during a special memorial mass held at the Mwanjelwa Catholic Church in Mbeya to mark the 26th anniversary of Mwalimu Nyerere’s passing. The service was attended by several top government officials, including Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Tulia Ackson.

Addressing the congregation, Dr Mpango urged leaders and citizens to live by Nyerere’s principles of humility, service, and integrity. He also asked the Prime Minister to ensure that the prayers read by religious leaders are aired by national broadcasters, especially Radio Tanzania.

“I thank and commend you for this meaningful service. As leaders, we must follow the good example of the late Mwalimu Nyerere.

Each of us, in our position, should continue to pray for him to be among the saints,” he said. Earlier, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga of the Mbeya Catholic Archdiocese described Nyerere as a compassionate, loving, and faithful man whose life reflected holiness beyond religious boundaries.

He explained that the canonisation process begins with recognising a person’s life of virtue and service, followed by the declaration of ‘venerable’, then ‘blessed’, and finally sainthood. “The final stage is sainthood, which confirms that the person is in heaven.

The process for Mwalimu Nyerere is still in its early stage and will take time,” said Archbishop Nyaisonga. He added that Nyerere’s legacy continues to inspire because of his humility, faith, and honesty.

“He can be mentioned among the saints, like the late popes. Nyerere avoided hypocrisy and embodied holiness in politics, social life, and the economy,” he said.

Archbishop Nyaisonga further noted that Nyerere left a lasting legacy through education, promoting the Kiswahili language internationally, and demonstrating integrity in public service without pursuing personal gain. “Even after retirement, he continued to share his views for the good of the nation.

The Catholic Church believes that God has already granted him sainthood,” he said, urging Tanzanians to reflect on their own lives. “If we desire to be saints, let us use Mwalimu Nyerere as our example.

When we wrong one another, let us remember that judgement awaits us all,” he said. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Mbeya Region, Regional Commissioner Beno Malisa thanked religious leaders and citizens for attending the mass and encouraged them to participate in the upcoming Uhuru Torch race celebrations.

“I thank all religious leaders and citizens for turning out in large numbers, and I invite you to join the Uhuru Torch celebrations here in Mbeya,” said Mr Malisa. .

Dar es Salaam. The popular seafood restaurant Samaki Samaki today celebrates 18 years since it officially opened its doors on October 13, 2007, marking nearly two decades of passion, growth, and resilience in Tanzania’s hospitality industry.

The restaurant’s journey has been remarkable, starting with its first branch at Mbezi Beach Massana, which was later destroyed by fire. Another branch at Posta also caught fire, forcing the team to relocate to Masaki, where the restaurant rebuilt its identity and regained customer trust.

According to Cleaners Manager Vitus Mkinyi, who has been with the company since 2007, the transition to Masaki came with challenges but eventually turned into success. “It was not easy at the beginning, but customers gradually adapted,” he says.

“Working here for 18 years has changed my life. I have managed to build a home for my parents and educate my children through this job.

” Masaki Branch Manager Naomi Lema shares a similar story of growth. Having started as a waitress, she has risen through the ranks to become branch manager.

“We have been through a lot, but God is good. I am proud of how far we have come as a team,” she says.

Kalito’s Way Group (KWG) Chairman, Carlos Bastos alias known as Kalito Samaki, says the “Sweet 18” celebration is taking place at both Masaki and Mlimani City branches. He explained that Samaki Samaki, Wavuvi Kempu, and Kukukuku are all operated under Kalito’s Way Group, which continues to expand its footprint in Tanzania’s food and beverage sector.

“It is a big day for us. We have passion for this business, and today we celebrate 18 years of growth and creativity,” he said.

From its humble beginnings at Mbezi Beach to becoming one of Dar es Salaam’s most loved seafood brands, Samaki Samaki’s 18-year journey stands as a story of resilience, teamwork, and a deep love for great food. .

Dar es Salaam. As the nation marks 26 years since the passing of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzanians continue to live the dream of a country he built, one where “everything is possible.

” Since his death in 1999, Tanzania has held five general elections. On October 29 the country will head to the polls for the sixth time, reaffirming the democratic legacy that Mwalimu Nyerere laid down, a legacy in which Tanzania remains the land of equal opportunity for all.

Mwalimu built a foundation on which every Tanzanian, regardless of background, origin, or family lineage, can aspire to be anything. From humble beginnings, young people have risen to leadership and influence.

Felix Mkosamali, a 24-year-old student from a modest background, contested and won a parliamentary seat while still in his first year at St Augustine University. Likewise, figures such as Zitto Kabwe, David Kafulila, John Mnyika and Mwigulu Nchemba emerged from ordinary families to serve as Members of Parliament.

In Tanzania, success has no set path. It embraces those who dare to pursue their dreams.

From Kariakoo’s hustlers such as Sanda Yenga “Sandaland” and Fred Ngajiro “Vunjabei,” who are now billionaires and business leaders, to young entrepreneurs winning major contracts with football clubs like Young Africans and Simba, Mwalimu’s vision of possibility remains alive. A nation of equal opportunity From Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s six presidents have each carved their own path without family privilege or inherited political power.

That continuity of merit-based leadership is part of Mwalimu’s enduring gift. Even among Tanzania’s wealthiest individuals, none are children of political leaders.

This reflects Nyerere’s belief that the country belongs to every citizen. From a poor child in Kizimkazi who became President, to another from Buhigwe, Philip Mpango, now Vice President and Kassim Majaliwa from Ruangwa, who rose to become Prime Minister–all exemplify the equality Nyerere envisioned.

He could have chosen to hand over power to one of his children upon retirement but refused, affirming that Tanzania belonged to all, not to the Nyerere family of Butiama. The country’s business history tells similar stories.

Reginald Mengi, who grew up herding livestock, became one of Tanzania’s most successful industrialists. Said Bakhresa, once a small snack vendor, is now a billionaire.

These stories are possible because Nyerere nurtured a nation that believes in hard work, discipline and equality before the law. Every Tanzanian, he taught, has the right to pursue legitimate business and prosperity.

No tribe owns Tanzania Through the Arusha Declaration of 1967, Nyerere bound leaders to integrity and humility, rejecting the notion that anyone deserved more than others. In the Tanzania he built, every tribe, from the Wanyakyusa and Wanyamwezi to the Wapare, Wamakonde and Wazaramo, was recognised and made to feel part of the nation.

Over 120 ethnic groups coexist peacefully, united by their shared Tanzanian identity. Inter-tribal marriages are commonplace, symbolising the inclusiveness Mwalimu envisioned.

A Mkerewe can settle in Arusha or a Mfipa in Tanga without being made to feel like a stranger. Wherever one travels within the country, Tanzania feels like home.

Religious tolerance also stands as one of Nyerere’s lasting legacies. Citizens are free to worship as they wish and no one faces discrimination based on faith.

Both public and private institutions employ people of all religions. A Christian-owned company may have mostly Muslim workers, while a Muslim-owned organisation may employ Christians and non-believers alike.

An enduring legacy Twenty-six years after his passing, Tanzanians remember Mwalimu Nyerere with gratitude for building a just and inclusive nation. His leadership created institutions and values that continue to define Tanzania’s stability and unity.

When compared to many African nations that experienced turmoil after independence, Tanzania’s peace and cohesion stand out as proof of Nyerere’s vision and wisdom. Thank you, Father of the Nation, for building a country where everything is possible.

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Dar es Salaam. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially welcomed Dr Alex Ntale Gasasira as its new Representative to Tanzania, signaling a commitment to deepening the health partnership with the East African nation.

Dr Gasasira presented his credentials on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Cosato Chumi. In a statement issued by WHO Tanzania, Dr Gasasira conveyed warm greetings from WHO Director-General Dr.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof Mohamed Yakub Janabi. Commending Tanzania’s steady progress across multiple sectors, particularly in health, Dr Gasasira reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the government in advancing national health priorities and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It is a great honour to serve in Tanzania at this important moment for global and national health,” said Dr Gasasira. “WHO remains steadfast in its partnership with the government of Tanzania to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure that every person enjoys the highest attainable standard of health.

” Receiving the credentials on behalf of the government, Mr Chumi expressed appreciation for WHO’s long-standing support to Tanzania. He praised the organization’s vital role in strengthening health systems, building capacity, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response.

Ambassador Chumi reiterated the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with WHO to improve health outcomes and build resilience against future health challenges. During the ceremony, both parties underscored the importance of sustained engagement and coordination to ensure the cooperation remains evidence-based, nationally aligned and impactful for communities across the country.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the WHO Country Office in Tanzania were present at the event. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s economy is projected to sustain its recovery momentum, with growth estimated at 6.

9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 6 percent for the full year, according to the latest Monetary Policy Statement issued by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT). The central bank expects the economy to expand further in 2026, with growth forecast at 6.

4 percent, supported by continued public investment in strategic infrastructure projects, including railways, roads, and airports. Key sectors such as tourism and manufacturing are also expected to underpin this growth, according to the report.

Additional stimulus is anticipated from the construction of sports facilities ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, which are projected to boost economic activity further. “For Tanzania, rising gold prices will enhance export revenues and bolster foreign reserves, while falling oil prices will reduce import costs and ease inflationary pressures,” the report states, adding that these developments create a favorable external environment, offering policy space to maintain or cautiously lower the central bank rate (CBR) to reinforce domestic economic growth while preserving macroeconomic stability.

The private sector continues to gain traction, with both foreign and domestic investment showing steady growth. According to the report, credit to the private sector is expected to expand by around 17 percent yearon-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by the accommodative monetary policy implemented since July 2025 and strong demand for loans.

Banks have reported loan applications worth Sh1.1 trillion, mainly from the trade and construction sectors, which are currently under review and may be disbursed in the coming months. Exports are projected to remain robust in the final quarter of 2025, driven by gold, cash crops such as cashew nuts and tobacco, tourism, and transport services.

Fourth-quarter exports are expected to reach $2.97 billion, up from $2.9 billion in the same period last year. Production of key cash crops– including cashew nuts, tobacco, cotton, and coffee–is forecast to rise by 42 percent in the 2025/26 fiscal year, while tourism receipts are expected to climb to Sh12.9 billion, compared with Sh10.9 billion in 2024/25. The Zanzibar economy is also projected to perform strongly, with growth estimated at 7.

2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 7.3 percent for the whole year, driven by the services sector.

Rising tourist arrivals, increased accommodation activities, the revival of clove harvesting, and ongoing construction projects supporting quarrying activities are cited as key drivers. Inflation in Mainland Tanzania is expected to remain stable at 3.

5 percent, within the target range of 35 percent, while in Zanzibar it is forecast to stay below 5 percent. This outlook is supported by reliable electricity supply, stable exchange rates, and adequate food availability.

The BoT noted that prudent implementation of monetary and fiscal policies will continue to contain inflationary pressures, although climate change-related shocks remain a low-level risk. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania remains conspicuously absent from Africa’s fundraising leaderboard as of October, even as start-ups across the continent continue to secure significant capital, with the total raised in 2025 now surpassing $2.2 billion.

According to Africa: The Big Deal, co-founded by Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, who is also the Head of Mobile for Development (M4D), 58 start-ups raised over $140 million in September alone. Although this is slightly below the average, it matches September 2024’s tally of $146 million and surpasses the $124 million raised in September 2023. The number of ventures raising at least $100,000 last month was also the second highest in a year, just behind July.

Of the $140 million raised, $105 million (75 percent) came from equity, with the remainder consisting mainly of debt ($32 million) and some grant funding ($3 million), including 16 match-funding grants from DEG Impulse as part of their new develop Ventures cohort in East Africa. The five largest transactions of the month were all equity: Kredete (fintech, Nigeria) secured $22 million in a Series A round; Pura Beverage raised $15 million in Series B funding; Contactable (identity, South Africa) bagged $13.5 million; Intella (AI, Egypt) closed a $12.5 million Series A; and The Invigilator (education, South Africa) received $11 million.

On a quarterly basis, start-ups in Africa raised $785 million in Q3. While this is lower than the $963 million raised in Q2, it is significantly higher than Q1’s $461 million. It is also a strong Q3 compared to the same quarter in 2024 ($649 million), 2023 ($496 million) and 2022 ($612 million).

Start-ups have now raised $2.2 billion in 2025 to date, excluding exits, putting the continent only $40 million away from surpassing the total raised in the whole of 2024. But as these figures rise across the continent, Tanzanian start-ups continue to struggle to maintain the fundraising momentum seen last year, raising questions about what the country must do to ensure consistency in attracting investment. In 2024, Tanzanian start-ups raised a total of $53 million, with more than $40 million coming in the third quarter alone, placing the country third in Africa for funds raised during that period.

This year, however, the picture is different. According to Africa: The Big Deal, Tanzanian start-ups have so far not crossed the $10 million mark in 2025, while across the continent, start-ups collectively raised over $1.4 billion in the first half of the year.

However, TSA’s Senior Manager of Programmes and Operations, Mr Praygod Japhet, said that after conducting an internal assessment to identify what is hindering Tanzania from performing well in startup investment across Africa, TSA found a significant gap in access to funds, especially in early and mid-stage financing. This led them to lobby the government to establish the National Venture Capital Trust Fund to enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness with other countries in this area.

“In other countries that have succeeded in startup investment, they strengthened their early and mid-stage financing, which enabled them to reach where they are. No country succeeds in startup investment if its systems are immature.

We expect the National Venture Capital Trust Fund will do the revolution because investment institutions are key to the success of startup investments in a country,” he said. He went on to reveal that the process of establishing the fund is in its initial stages and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Furthermore, Mr Japhet said that accessing funds in the early and mid-stages for startups in the country has been one of the prime challenges that is hindering the country from attracting more startup funds. For the co-founder of health-tech start-up Plate AI, Janeth Kareen Kilonzo, Tanzania’s subdued fundraising performance this year reflects both investor caution and structural gaps within the local ecosystem.

“Investors are increasingly looking for scale, traction and robust business models. Many early-stage Tanzanian start-ups are still at the proof-of-concept stage, with limited access to acceleration or growth-stage funding,” she said.

She noted that while the local ecosystem has made progress, particularly with regulatory reforms in the pipeline, more needs to be done to build strong pipelines and support systems for start-ups to grow beyond seed stage. “There’s talent and innovation in Tanzania, but our ecosystem support is not yet as layered as in markets like Kenya or Nigeria.

More targeted acceleration, mentorship and follow-on funding structures are needed if we’re to compete at continental level,” she added. Meanwhile, CEO and co-founder of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Ltd, Mr Baraka Chijenga, attributed part of the slowdown to a mismatch between investor expectations and the realities of operating businesses locally.

“Many international investors come in expecting the same pace and scale they see in Nairobi or Lagos, but Tanzania has its own market dynamics. Regulatory timelines, infrastructure gaps and limited local capital participation can make growth slower,” he said.

Mr Chijenga emphasised that the focus should now shift to creating sustainable investment pathways rather than chasing short-term fundraising highs. “If we can deepen local value chains, strengthen our agri-business infrastructure, and get more local corporates involved in co-investing, we can build stronger, more resilient ventures.

This will give foreign investors more confidence and attract larger rounds over time,” he explained. Sahara Ventures CEO and tech entrepreneur, Mr Jumanne Mtambalike, observed that Tanzania’s current fundraising landscape reflects a mix of global trends and domestic realities.

He pointed out that global capital movements, shifting investor preferences, and the tendency of funding to gravitate towards a few dominant African markets are factors largely beyond the country’s control. However, he stressed that there is clear work to be done locally to boost competitiveness.

“We need to strengthen our policy environment and bring more clarity to regulations, expand the pool of local investors to work alongside foreign ones, and equip our start-ups with better investor-readiness skills,” he noted. He added that quick interventions such as expediting the implementation of the Startup Policy, enhancing governance frameworks, and organising more deal showcase platforms, could help restore momentum in the short term.

Over the longer horizon, he said, mobilising domestic capital, incentivising corporate participation, and nurturing ventures in high-potential sectors like fintech, agritech and climate-tech will be crucial. “The $53 million raised last year proved what’s achievable.

This year’s slowdown is a reminder that sustained success requires deliberate effort, we need to put in place systems that make Tanzania a regular destination for investors, not a market that experiences occasional peaks,” he stressed. .

Mwanza. The breathtaking landscapes of the Serengeti will once again echo with the rhythm of running shoes as the eighth edition of the Serengeti Safari Marathon brings together athletes, environmentalists, and tourists in a powerful celebration of sport, sustainability, and tourism.

The event, scheduled for November 15 at Ndabaka, Serengeti in Mara Region, is set to attract both local and elite foreign runners from Kenya and other African nations. Participants will compete in the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km, and 5km fun run categories.

More than 2,000 local and international athletes are expected to take part in the race, competing not just for medals and records–but also for a greener planet. Among those expected to light up the event is Tokyo World Marathon champion Alphonce Simbu, who will headline the elite lineup and inspire upcoming runners with his presence and performance.

Serengeti Safari Marathon Director Timothy Mdinka said the marathon goes far beyond the spirit of competition, its heartbeat lies in promoting responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and local economic empowerment. “Each registered participant will receive at least five tree seedlings to plant anywhere they wish, especially in areas affected by deforestation,” said Mdinka.

“Through our Go Green Campaign, in partnership with the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), we’re promoting sustainable tourism that gives back to nature. Every runner will get a race jersey and more than five tree seedlings,” he added.

This year’s theme, “Tourism Connects,” has already drawn an overwhelming response, with over 65 percent of participation tickets sold–including 200 purchased during the launch. Mdinka noted that the improved prize packages, quality medals, and rising international participation, particularly from Kenya, have elevated the event’s profile and excitement.

UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Amon Manyama underscored the marathon’s wider environmental and social significance. “UNDP remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect Tanzania’s natural resources, ensuring they continue to benefit communities today and for generations to come,” he said.

Representing the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Ilemela District Commissioner Amiri Mkalipa applauded the marathon’s creative approach in linking sports, tourism, and conservation. “There can be no tourism without conservation.

Giving tree seedlings to runners is a brilliant idea–this event is not just a race; it’s a statement of care for our environment,” he said. John Semkubai, Senior Tourism Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, reaffirmed the government’s support, calling sports tourism a vital engine for the country’s economic and environmental goals.

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Dar es Salaam. The chairman of the opposition party Chadema, Mr Tundu Lissu, has ignited a legal debate in his ongoing treason trial by questioning the education level of the second prosecution witness.

The dispute arose during cross-examination on Monday October 13, 2025, at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, where Mr Lissu probed the witness over the content of his written and oral testimony given under oath. As part of the questioning, Mr Lissu asked the witness about his secondary school qualifications, including the grades he achieved in the Form Four examinations.

This line of questioning was strongly opposed by the prosecution, prompting a legal argument over its relevance. The court intervened and ruled in favour of the prosecution’s objection.

Mr Lissu faces a treason charge, accused of making statements intended to intimidate the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. He is alleged to have vowed on April 3, 2025, via social media, to block elections.

He’s accused of uttering; “we say we will stop the elections, incite rebellion this is the way to achieve change we will disrupt the elections we will provoke seriously” The trial is being heard by a three-judge panel led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, with Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde, at the High Court’s Dar es Salaam registry. The second prosecution witness, Police Inspector John Kaaya, serves in the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in Dar es Salaam.

During the cross-examination, Mr Lissu asked: Lissu: “Have you ever attended primary school?” Witness: “Yes.” Lissu: “When?” Witness: “From 1989 to 1995.” Lissu: “Which schools?” Witness: “I attended Nganyeni Marangu Primary School and Lyakirimu Primary School, Marangu, Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

” On secondary education: Lissu: “Have you ever attended secondary school?” Witness: “Yes, from 1996 to 1999 at Lyakirimu Secondary School.” Lissu: “What division did you obtain in Form Four?” At this point, the prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Ajuaye Zegeli, objected, arguing that the question was irrelevant under Section 167 of the Tanzania Evidence Act (TEA).

The objection was supported by Senior State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, who emphasised that private details such as examination results are protected and unrelated to the witness’ ability to give evidence. Responding to the objection, Mr Lissu insisted that the witness’ education was relevant, particularly in assessing his suitability to serve as a police officer, citing Police General Orders (PGO) 53(10) and 54(1), which require secondary school education for recruitment and promotion within the force.

Mr Lissu argued that understanding the witness’ educational background was essential to evaluate his competence and credibility. “The witness was extensively questioned about his qualifications in his testimony.

It is important to know if he meets the standards for a police officer; if he scored zero in his division, he would not be suitable,” Mr Lissu argued. He further contended that the prosecution’s reliance on Section 167 of TEA was misplaced, because the witness’s education directly affects his credibility and professional qualifications.

“They cannot claim this evidence is irrelevant. To be a police officer and to be promoted, one must have the required education.

I am seeking to understand what type of witnesses the prosecution has brought in terms of their education and expertise,” Lissu said. In response, Senior State Attorney Katuga maintained that the objection was about the division obtained, not the level of education, and that the latter was not in dispute.

He added that PGO provisions cited by Mr Lissu refer generally to education, not to the exact grades, and that specific results are protected under privacy laws. The court ultimately ruled in favour of the prosecution’s objection, limiting Lissu’s questioning to the level of education attained by the witness, without delving into specific grades.

“Even the Police General Orders only refer to the level of education, not the detailed results,” said Justice Ndunguru in his ruling, after which Lissu continued his cross-examination, asking various other questions of the witness. .

Dar es Salaam. If you thought the launch of Phase II of the Dar es Salaam bus rapid transit (BRT) would push minibuses, bajajis and motorcycles out of business, then you may need to think again.

The start of BRT services along the MbagalaKilwa corridor appears set to complement, rather than replace, other modes of public transport used by thousands of commuters travelling between the city centre and the densely populated Mbagala area. A BRT bus during trial runs on the Phase 2 route between Gerezani and Mbalaga in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The trials began two years after the necessary infrastructure was completed. Residents and operators of minibuses, bajajis and motorcycles who spoke to The Citizen yesterday described the launch as a “vital complement” to their businesses.

In line with its earlier announcement, the BRT officially began passenger trials along the MbagalaKilwa route at the weekend. Chief government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa confirmed yesterday that the trial runs, conducted by Mofat Company, had started two days earlier and had now advanced to include passengers.

“The trials began on Saturday when the buses operated without passengers. Today they have started carrying passengers.

We will continue in this phase while gradually increasing the number of buses on the route,” he said. Phase II of the BRT involves 250 buses operated by Mofat Company under a 12-year contract.

All buses are powered by natural gas, aligning with the government’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable urban transport. The launch of the Mbagala route marks a major milestone in efforts to ease congestion and improve commuting efficiency in Dar es Salaam.

Officials say the new BRT phase will significantly cut travel time between Mbagala and the city centre, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional public transport. However, local transport operators are optimistic that the new service will not edge them out of business.

They believe demand for transport in Mbagala is simply too high for the BRT alone to handle. Speaking to The Citizen, the treasurer of the Mbagala Rangi Tatu bodaboda station, Mr Said Khamis, said the system’s launch was long overdue.

“We don’t see the BRT as competition. It has come to fill the gaps in public transport.

Mbagala has many passengers and even after using the BRT, they still need to reach their homes. That’s where we come in to complete the journey,” he said.

Mbagala serves as a vital transport hub linking several wards within Temeke District including Mbagala Kuu, Chamazi, Charambe, Toangoma, Mianzini, Kiburugwa and Kijichi. It is also a hub that links residents of Msongola and those as far as Zingiziwa and Chanika in Ilala District as well as those from Mkuranga, Mwandege, Vikindu and Vianzi wards in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.

“The BRT ends at Mbagala, so we’ll still be required to ferry people to and from nearby areas. That means there’s still plenty of business for us,” he added.

A bajaji driver, Mr Shafii Mtiba, shared similar views, saying that while they may initially lose some long-distance passengers, new opportunities were opening up. “In the mornings, we usually take many people to town, so that might change.

But now we’ll focus on local routes, taking passengers from BRT drop-off points to their homes. It’s about working together to serve the people,” he said.

Mr Khamis said that bodaboda riders were being reminded to observe traffic rules, particularly avoiding exclusive BRT lanes to ensure the system operates smoothly. For a small trader and long-time Mbagala resident, Ms Sharifa Yusuph, the BRT launch brings relief after years of unreliable transport.

However, she cautioned against repeating past mistakes such as irregular schedules and long waits. “Transport here has always been a major challenge, especially during peak hours.

If the government is serious, this system should serve people reliably, not just become another political statement,” she said. Commuters who boarded the new BRT buses also expressed optimism mixed with concerns.

A resident of Mwandege in Mkuranga District, Mr Juma Abdul said his trip from Mbagala to Gerezani yesterday was impressive but noted operational issues. “I waited almost an hour for the bus at Mbagala Rangi Tatu Station since only a few have been deployed so far,” he said.

Abdul observed that some passengers queued for long periods to buy electronic payment cards needed for access to BRT stations. “Many waited until the last minute because the launch had been postponed several times, so they were unsure it would really start.

Some even paid others with cards to get access,” Mr Abdul said. With the services still new, several bajajis and motorcycles were still observed plying the BRT lanes as of yesterday, something that will have to cease as services proceed.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s top lady golfer, Madina Idd, begins her quest for silverware today in the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at the prestigious Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Kenya.

The high-profile tournament, part of the Sunshine Development Tour calendar, brings together elite golfers from across the region for three days of intense competition. Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, Madina said she is well-prepared for the challenge, which features some of East Africa’s finest female golfers in a 54-hole stroke play format.

“I’m in good shape and ready to face any challenge,” said Madina, who recently won the Vodacom Tanzania Open in the women’s category. “My goal is to prove my worth in this event and hopefully win another trophy outside my country.

” Madina, who has consistently maintained her position as Tanzania’s top female golfer, expressed her excitement about representing the nation once again. “It’s always an honour to represent Tanzania in international tournaments,” she added.

“Events like the East Africa Swing help us test our game against top players while strengthening regional golf ties. I’m looking forward to giving my best performance in Nairobi.

” Over the years, Madina has played a key role in raising the profile of women’s golf in Tanzania through her outstanding performances in both local and international competitions. Her participation in the Sunshine Development Tour underscores the growing recognition of Tanzanian golfers on the continental stage.

The East Africa Swing is one of the key stages in the Sunshine Development Tour calendar, offering golfers the chance to earn ranking points, sharpen their skills, and compete on a professional platform that feeds into one of Africa’s premier golf circuits. The event is recognized by both the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) systems.

The Royal Nairobi Golf Club, one of East Africa’s oldest and most scenic courses, will host the tournament. Known for its lush fairways and challenging layout, the venue promises an exciting contest as top male and female professionals compete for honours and valuable ranking points.

The tournament will be played over 54 holes, with a cut set for the top 30 players and ties after round two. .