In recent years, the East African Community (EAC) has often been in the headlines for economic growth, regional integration and ambitious infrastructure projects. But beneath all this optimism lies a worrying trend — the rise of conflict within and around the region. Conflicts in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eastern Uganda, and Burundi have…
Education is the foundation of regional development. Yet, students in East Africa face numerous barriers to accessing education across partner states. For instance: Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Higher Education, has urged East African countries to create a harmonized education system, allowing free movement of students and staff within the region. This vision…
Political considerations and private individual interests are said to often overshadow genuine efforts to ensure fair representation of citizens in Parliament. In many cases, influential politicians are claimed to sway decisions on splitting constituencies to retain their parliamentary seats rather than enhancing democracy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided clear guidelines for creating…
A friend recently asked me: Do you know that the Chinese produce more research papers than everyone else? I checked: In 2020, China led the rest of the world with 740,042 published scientific and technical articles, while Tanzania was ranked 85th with 2,199 articles. Why should any Tanzanian care? Any country that lacks a robust…
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) recently announced 1,596 vacancies, primarily for tax administrators, including customs officers. Three or four years ago, the institution recruited another 1,097 staff through the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat. It seems more logical for hiring institutions, especially those involved in specialised work, to recruit their staff directly, particularly when substantial numbers…
Tanzania’s decision to build a $172 million indoor arena is a game-changer for East Africa’s creative industry. For years, governments in the region have focused on sports, pouring billions into stadiums while ignoring the arts. Now, following pressure from musician Diamond Platnumz, Tanzania has finally recognised the value of entertainment infrastructure. Our region has produced…
In a village in Same District, Kilimanjaro region, the night was alive with noise—roars, scurrying sounds, screams and grunts, most shrouded in mystery. I recognised the calls of nightjars, the Spotted Thick-knee, two owls constantly calling to each other, and the very loud cries of hyenas announcing their presence. They called almost throughout the night,…
The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a chilling warning that an estimated three million people globally were at risk of dying from HIV/Aids for lack of medication due to the suspension of aid by the American government. Let us face it. The vast majority of those shall be…
Everyone knows about Malaria and many have probably been diagnosed with the disease. Malaria is a major disease, especially in developing countries and has been prevalent for years. Malaria is caused by the protozoan “Plasmodium” and is found in tropical countries. Four species cause disease in humans: P. falciparum (most dangerous), P. ovale, P. vivax,…
When news emerged last week that the much-anticipated Mount Kilimanjaro International Convention Centre (MKICC) in Arusha is finally becoming a reality, residents breathed a sigh of relief. The project has been in the planning stages for the last 18 years, so its commencement is indeed welcome news. MKICC is set to transform Arusha into a…
