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Arusha. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made minor adjustments to the number of registered voters and polling stations ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, following updates from the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In a statement issued yesterday, INEC said the revision follows the completion of voter data verification and processing in Zanzibar, where final figures show 717,557 registered voters and 1,752 polling stations. As a result, the total number of registered voters across Tanzania now stands at 37,647,235, down slightly from the 37,655,559 announced on July 26, 2025. Despite the minor change, the updated figure represents a 26.53 percent increase from the 29,754,699 voters recorded in the 2020 General Election.

According to the new data, 36,650,932 voters are from Mainland Tanzania, while 996,303 are from Zanzibar. Women constitute a slight majority at 18,950,801 (50.34 percent), with men numbering 18,696,439 (49.66 percent).

INEC also announced a slight revision to the number of polling stations to be used during the polls, now totaling 99,895, compared to 99,911 previously reported. Of these, 97,348 are on the Mainland and 2,547 in Zanzibar.

The commission noted that the new total represents a 22.47 percent increase from the 81,567 polling stations used in 2020, part of ongoing efforts to enhance voter access and reduce congestion at polling centres. INEC reaffirmed that, under the Elections Act No.

1 of 2024, Zanzibar’s voter register, managed by ZEC, forms part of the national voter register for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the Isles. “The Zanzibar Voter Register will form part of the INEC Voter Register for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Zanzibar,” the statement reads.

INEC further said that all political parties participating in the 2025 elections will soon receive the official list of polling stations for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Councilor elections. .

Dar es Salaam. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) parliamentary candidate for Kibamba Constituency, Angellah Kairuki, has unveiled ten key priorities for residents of Saranga and Goba wards if elected in the October 29 general election.

Speaking at separate campaign rallies this week, Ms Kairuki said that while significant development had been achieved under the CCM government, several pressing challenges still needed urgent solutions. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected as your Member of Parliament, I will start by fencing all primary and secondary schools in both wards to ensure children’s safety,” she said.

On transport, Ms Kairuki pledged to push for the introduction of new daladala routes in Goba and surrounding areas to ease mobility challenges faced by residents. She also promised to secure land for cemeteries, noting that compensation would be paid where necessary to ensure residents have appropriate burial grounds.

In the health sector, Ms Kairuki said the government had invested over S00 million in constructing a two-storey building at Kimara Health Centre and allocated an additional Sh100 million for medical equipment. Saranga Health Centre, she added, had received Sh100 million for constructing an outpatient building, with plans to complete the project next month.

On education, she said Sh35.8 million had been allocated for building classrooms, kitchens, and introducing school meal services. She added that efforts were underway to acquire land for constructing new schools to reduce the long distances pupils currently walk.

Regarding infrastructure, Ms Kairuki noted that the government had already spent Sh1.8 billion on local road projects. She pledged to prioritise the second phase of road construction for routes such as KimunguSukaUkombozi, PeponiKKT Temboni, and SukaFoleniKarangaUpendo to improve gravel roads and strengthen transport networks.

She also vowed to oversee water projects in Saranga, Ukombozi, Bangu, Pasaka, and Ruvu neighbourhoods to ensure residents access water for more hours daily. Ms Kairuki further promised to support youth and women’s economic groups, including those for people with disabilities, through entrepreneurship training and small-business support.

Meanwhile, CCM campaign coordinator for Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, Hawa Ghasia, praised the party’s decision to nominate Ms Kairuki, describing her as “diligent, articulate, and results-oriented.” She urged Kibamba residents to vote for the CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing the administration’s development record.

Goba Ward councillor candidate Laurance Mlaki said his priorities align with the party manifesto and promised to collaborate closely with Ms Kairuki to tackle local challenges .

Dar es Salaam. As organisations across Tanzania celebrate Customer Service Week, MSI Tanzania, formerly known as Marie Stopes Tanzania, has announced a name change as part of its commitment to improving and expanding access to quality healthcare services.

MSI Tanzania’s Country Director, Mr Patrick Kinemo, stated that the rebranding signifies a new chapter for the organisation but assured clients that its operations and mission will not change. “Last year, nearly 25 percent of all clients who received family planning services in Tanzania were supported by MSI Tanzania staff in collaboration with the government,” he said.

He emphasised that the organisation plays a crucial role in providing contraceptives and permanent family planning methods, reaching about 40 percent of both women and men who accessed these services nationwide. Mr Kinemo explained that MSI Tanzania’s primary service delivery model is its outreach programme, which offers sexual and reproductive health services in government health facilities.

This initiative is conducted in close collaboration with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) and the Ministry of Health. “This model allows us to reach remote and marginalised communities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he emphasised.

“As part of this approach, we also implement an embedded nurse model, where MSI-employed nurses work within government facilities to provide mentorship, capacity building, and ensure the sustainability of sexual and reproductive health services beyond our direct involvement.” In addition to its outreach efforts, Mr Kinemo highlighted the organisation’s Public Sector Strengthening Programme, which supports health facilities at both local and national levels to enhance the quality of sexual and reproductive health services and strengthen the overall resilience of the healthcare system.

Since its establishment in 1989, MSI Tanzania has been dedicated to ensuring that women, men, and young people across the country have access to high-quality, affordable, and client-centred care. Through its hospitals, clinics, outreach programmes, and call centre, the organisation continues to provide trusted services that empower individuals to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.

healthier lives. .

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has launched 98 online and blended learning programmes, backed by a $7 million investment under the World Bank-supported Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.

The move signals a major shift in Tanzania’s approach to higher education. Speaking during a capacity-building training on online and blended learning yesterday, UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye said the initiative will equip graduates to be digitally competent, adaptable, and prepared for the 21st-century job market.

“This is a deliberate contribution to national development,” Prof Anangisye said. The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning UDSM as a regional leader in digital education.

It builds on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital tools for remote learning, prompting significant upgrades to the university’s ICT infrastructure. Head of UDSM’s Centre for Virtual Learning, Dr Fatuma Simba, said the programmes cover diverse fields including science, technology, business, humanities, and the arts.

They aim to make higher education more flexible, inclusive, and aligned with the aspirations of Tanzanians. Deputy Coordinator of the HEET Project, Prof Boniface Haule, said online learning allows students to study anytime and anywhere.

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Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Rugby grounds will host another thrilling international rugby fixture on Friday as Clyde and Co.

‘s Dar Leopards face off against Mombasa Sports Club from Kenya from 3.30pm.

Before the main clash, a women’s curtain-raiser match will kick off at 3pm, followed by the men’s 15s fixture. The upcoming encounter marks another milestone in the Dar Leopards’ growing calendar of regional rugby matches.

The fixture continues to strengthen cross-border sporting ties between Tanzanian and Kenyan clubs while promoting the sport’s development in East Africa. Clyde and Co.

, an international law firm with seven fully integrated offices across Africa, is partnering with the Dar Leopards Rugby Club to organize the event. The partnership highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and sports development in Tanzania.

The event will be hosted by Peter Kasanda, Clyde and Co. Africa Chair, a former Dar Leopards player and club chair, who is eager to welcome players, guests, and supporters Spectators attending the UDSM Grounds can expect an afternoon filled with competitive rugby, refreshments, and a vibrant social atmosphere.

The event aims to celebrate both the sporting spirit and the shared commitment of local and international partners in promoting rugby and community participation. The afternoon will open with a showcase match featuring the Dar Cheetahs, the women’s contact rugby team of the Dar Leopards.

Established in 2024, the Cheetahs have quickly made their mark through dedication and teamwork, and are already preparing for an expanded and more competitive 2026 season. Their match will set the tone for the main event between the Dar Leopards and the visiting Mombasa Sports Club.

The Dar Leopards, one of Tanzania’s oldest and most established rugby clubs, continue to play a central role in nurturing local talent and promoting the game nationwide. With active men’s, women’s, and touch rugby teams, the club remains a vital contributor to the growth of Tanzanian rugby at both grassroots and competitive levels.

Friday’s fixture also signals the Leopards’ continued efforts to revive the traditional “Mamba Cup,” a regional tournament that historically featured clubs from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mombasa. Plans are underway to bring back the competition in 2026, reintroducing a much-loved rivalry to the East African rugby calendar.

The event will also receive support from partners including Painted Dog Craft Gin, which will provide refreshments, and Gardaworld Security, responsible for ensuring player safety and offering medical and ambulance services throughout the day. .

Dar es Salaam. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, shortly after performing the Asr prayer at Mjimwema Mosque in Kigamboni, I received a call from a close associate informing me that I had been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Usafiri Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Company (Udart).

Moments later, my phone was inundated with congratulatory messages, mixed with sympathetic ones, from friends, colleagues and various groups. Many shared their grievances about Udart’s operations: poor customer service, buses departing half empty while commuters were left waiting, failure to return passengers’ change, misappropriation of company property and general inefficiency.

Let me first thank the Almighty God for granting me good health and second, express my deep gratitude to Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her trust in appointing me to this important position. Chairing the Udart board is no small task, given the company’s challenges and Dar es Salaam’s strategic role in Tanzania’s transport network.

Together with my fellow directors and management, we are committed to doing all that lies within our ability to deliver on this responsibility. This is not my first presidential appointment, but unlike the previous ones, this particular post has drawn an overwhelming number of responses.

Many friends offered congratulations, while others expressed concern. One long-time friend told me bluntly that he would reserve his congratulations until he saw tangible improvements in the city’s transport services.

He was right. Determined to understand the issues firsthand, I decided to take an unannounced trip aboard one of the buses as an ordinary commuter.

I wanted to observe operations on the ground without being recognised. Before the visit, I consulted a few trusted individuals.

One of my sisters, a senior government officer, jokingly suggested that if I truly wanted to go unnoticed, I should wear a baibui and cover my face like a ninja. When I discussed the idea with my wife, we both agreed that such a disguise was impractical–not only because ninja attire is prohibited on the rapid buses, but also because being recognised in such a get-up would be embarrassing.

I instead opted for casual clothes and a kapelo (cap), though I forgot the cap at home that morning. I began my journey on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 11.50am, boarding a bus from Posta to Kimara.

I arrived at 12.20pm, stayed for about 15 minutes and then boarded another bus back at 12.35pm, reaching Posta by 1.10pm.

On the first leg, I had to stand all the way, but I managed to get a seat on the return trip. Both journeys happened to be aboard the newer green buses.

That was a slight disappointment, not because of their appearance, but because I had hoped to experience one of the older blue buses that passengers often complain about. I learnt a great deal from that visit.

Many of the concerns raised by commuters were visible, ranging from service gaps to minor acts of negligence. These observations will be discussed in upcoming Board and Management meetings, where we shall deliberate on solutions and keep the public informed of progress.

My plan to remain anonymous worked until the return trip. At Manzese, a young man recognised me.

When our eyes met, he greeted me and I responded politely before pretending to engage with my phone to avoid drawing attention. To my fellow board members and the management team, I emphasise that this is a major responsibility.

Public expectations are high, but with diligence, creativity and patriotism, we can build a better Udart. To all Udart employees: be ready.

The journey towards a new and improved Udart has begun. Dr Ramadhan Dau is an Ambassador and Chairman of the Udart Board .

Dar es Salaam. Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu yesterday suffered a setback in his ongoing treason case after the High Court dismissed his attempts to block part of the prosecution’s evidence.

Mr Lissu argued that he was unaware of the charges against him and insisted that certain testimony presented by the prosecution was irrelevant to the case. The case, being heard at the High Court (Subordinate Courts) in Dar es Salaam, revolves around allegations that Mr Lissu, on April 3, 2025, incited the public to disrupt the upcoming General Election and threatened the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

He faces a single count of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, based on statements he allegedly made that were aimed at halting the 2025 polls. During yesterday’s proceedings, Mr Lissu raised objections twice during the testimony of the first prosecution witness, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) George Wilbard Bagemu.

ACP Bagemu, who serves as Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (DZCO), was testifying about a video clip showing Lissu making various statements included in the charge sheet. Mr Lissu objected to parts of the witness’s testimony, claiming that statements such as police carrying ballot boxes with alleged fake votes into polling stations were not contained in the formal charges and, therefore, should not be admitted into evidence.

However, the court rejected Mr Lissu’s objections. Representing the prosecution, Principal State Attorney Nassoro Katuga argued that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to present all relevant evidence.

He said that the witness should not be precluded from giving testimony and that the defence would still have the opportunity to cross-examine the witness on any points raised. Mr Lissu maintained that allowing such testimony could open the door for the prosecution to introduce other evidence not directly connected to the charges.

He insisted that under the law, evidence not explicitly mentioned in the charge sheet should not be included in the court record. After considering submissions from both sides, Principal Judge of the High Court Dunstan Ndunguru, leading a three-judge panel with judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde, ruled that the court has the ultimate authority to determine whether evidence is relevant to the charges.

He noted that the witness would continue to provide testimony and that the accused would have the opportunity to cross-examine him later. During his testimony, ACP Bagemu also cited additional statements allegedly made by Mr Lissu, claiming that judges are loyal to the president and affiliated with the ruling party, CCM and that they preferred appointments to the Court of Appeal.

Mr Lissu objected again, arguing that these remarks were not mentioned in the charge sheet and therefore irrelevant to the case. The court, however, dismissed this objection as well, reiterating that it is the court’s role to assess the relevance of all evidence presented.

Mr Lissu first appeared in court on April 10, 2025, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Kisutu, Dar es Salaam, for preliminary proceedings, which included pre-trial investigations and the completion of evidence collection. Following the conclusion of investigations, the case was formally transferred to the High Court on August 18, 2025, for full hearing.

The court hearings are being closely monitored by members of the public and political analysts, as the case has attracted significant attention given its implications for political discourse and the upcoming general election. Legal experts note that the case raises important questions about freedom of expression, the boundaries of political speech and the interpretation of treason laws in Tanzania.

Mr Lissu has remained defiant throughout the proceedings, insisting that he is being unfairly targeted for political reasons. His defence team, led by senior advocates John Seka, Edson Kilatu and Jasper Sabuni, has consistently challenged the prosecution’s evidence and procedures, arguing that the case lacks merit and that the charges are politically motivated.

The prosecution, represented by Principal State Attorney Nassoro Katuga and a team of four lawyers, maintains that all evidence presented is crucial to proving that Mr Lissu deliberately attempted to incite public unrest and obstruct the democratic process. As the trial continues, both sides are expected to present further evidence and the court will determine whether Mr Lissu’s statements constitute treason under Tanzanian law.

The proceedings remain a focal point of national debate as Tanzania prepares for its 2025 General Election. .

Nairobi. Kenya has completed converting three railway construction dollar-denominated loans from China into yuan in order to save on interest payments, its Finance Minister John Mbadi said on Tuesday.

The swap, which allows the floating, dollar-based interest rates across the three loans from China Exim Bank to drop into their lower, yuan-based rates, will save the country about $215 million a year, Mbadi told reporters. “It kicks off immediately and it is a saving in our fiscal space,” Mbadi told journalists at a briefing, without providing a figure for the outstanding loan amounts that were converted.

The East African nation borrowed three loans amounting to $5 billion in 2014 and 2015 for the construction of a modern railway line from the port city of Mombasa to a station near the Rift Valley town of Naivasha in the hinterland. The outstanding loans stood at a total of $3.5 billion by June last year, figures from the finance ministry showed.

China has not commented on the currency switch. Apart from the financial relief, Kenyan officials attribute the currency switch to the fact that the East African nation’s debt is concentrated in dollars, exposing the government to higher currency and interest rate risks.

About 68% of the stock of Kenya’s external debt is denominated in dollars, according to government officials. President William Ruto’s government has been trying to cut its overall debt, which stands close to 70% of gross domestic product, in order to make repayments more manageable.

The government has revamped its debt management strategy to smooth out its maturity curve and lighten the pressure on public coffers. It has also been turning to securitisation of revenue to raise funds for key projects like the extension of the railway from Naivasha to the Ugandan border, and the upgrading of its main airport in Nairobi.

A team from the International Monetary Fund is currently in Kenya for talks on a new Fund-supported programme after the expiry of the last one in April. Mbadi said the talks were going well.

“We need the IMF,” he said. “Yes, our economic conditions have improved but we must not lose sight that we need more concessional loans and they come from multilaterals like the IMF and the World Bank.

” .