Q.1: For two years, every typhoid test I take comes back positive. I have seen many doctors and taken many courses of antibiotics -yet the test never clears. What is going on? A.1: The culprit is almost certainly the Widal test, one of the most overused and misunderstood tests in East Africa. This test detects…
In Tanzania, teaming up in business can be done through a partnership or a joint venture (JV) — think of it as deciding between marrying your business partner for the long term or simply collaborating on a single project. A partnership, governed by the Partnership Act, is a long-term arrangement in which partners share profits…
I pride myself on being a well-rounded, emotionally balanced, objective individual who has long accepted fair criticism of Mwalimu Nyerere’s leadership without feeling compelled to defend him. That position shifted after I encountered a social media comment blaming Mwalimu for xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Attributing the worst forms of parochial behaviour to someone who…
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and powerful ways to give a child a healthy start in life. It provides not only complete nutrition, but also protection against illness, emotional bonding, and long-term health benefits for both the baby and the mother. Despite this, many mothers face challenges or receive mixed messages about its…
For many years, education has focused primarily on academic achievement — grades, rankings and examination results. While these remain important, there is another area that deserves equal attention: Mental health. Today’s learners face pressures beyond the classroom, including peer influence, family expectations, social media and uncertainty about the future. Yet, conversations around mental health remain…
In the 1970s and 80s, one of the most feted scholars in the mother continent was, obviously, none other than the globetrotting Prof. Ali Mazrui. The Mombasa born scholar could be seen lecturing in some of the most prestigious universities and scholarly institutions in the US, UK, Europe and Africa. Notwithstanding, he never missed a…
Ghana and Mozambique have announced their decisions to pull out of the London Africa Energies Summit in mid-May, protesting discrimination and marginalisation in the hiring, planning and shaping the narrative on Africa’s energy future. Also, the two countries want discussion about Africa’s resources held in Africa and not in foreign capitals. The pushback represents a…
As fuel prices continue to climb in the country and across the world, many families are feeling the strain. Transport costs are increasing, daily budgets are tightening and frustration is understandable. Yet within this challenge lies an unexpected opportunity—one that can improve both our personal health and the health of our environment. One practical step…
Early last year, I discussed in this column the blue economy, where I put forward the case that the exploitation of marine resources should be done in a way that preserves them for future generations. My argument was premised on the potential of Tanzania’s fisheries sector. I mentioned that Tanzania currently earns about $2 billion…
I am still reflecting on the CAG’s report for 2024/25 that was presented to the President slightly over a fortnight ago. The report highlighted persistent systemic weaknesses in public financial management. This week, I turn to public procurement, given the significant impact it has on the economy. Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank,…
