Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Can Tanzania afford a universal pension scheme? Experts think so
Under a scorching Tuesday sun, Hawa Selemani Mbulete rests after finishing hawking food to her usual customers in the suburban area of Msasani in the city, appearing tired and exhausted.
It is almost 4 PM, and the 42-year-old mother of one is finalising some remaining chores before closing business for today and returning home to Mwananyamala, a working-class neighbourhood in Dar es Salaam.
Hawa couldn’t say how much she makes per day but assured this journalist that she earns sufficiently enough to take care of herself and her daughter plus her old parents in Morogoro, her 72-year-old father and 65-year-old mother. But the prospects of old life frighten her.
Full story here.
Who is Emmanuel Nchimbi, CCM’s new secretary-general, and what does his nomination signify?
After almost two months of whispered rumours and fervent speculation, the dust has finally settled on the leadership of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). The announcement of Emmanuel John Nchimbi as the party’s new secretary-general comes as no surprise to those who have closely followed the party’s trajectory.
A seasoned party insider, Nchimbi has meticulously navigated the ranks of CCM since his youth, his name synonymous with unwavering loyalty and astute political acumen.
With Nchimbi at the helm, the question remains: What direction will CCM take in the face of a rapidly evolving political landscape?
Full analysis here.
Tanzania, Kenya reach detente over aviation rights
Tanzania and Kenya Tuesday settled their disagreements over aviation rights following orders from their governments to respective aviation bodies to solve the matter within less than three days.
On Monday, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) banned Kenya Airways (KQ), the country’s flag carrier airline, from Tanzania’s airspace in retaliation to what Kenyan authorities did to Air Tanzania.
Kenya had refused Tanzania’s request for an all-cargo flight by Air Tanzania under Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between Nairobi and third countries, which Tanzania considered a violation of aviation agreements with its East African neighbour.
Following the encounter, Minister of Foreign Affairs January Makamba spoke with his Kenyan counterpart Musalia Mudavadi and decided to settle the issue diplomatically.
Mr Makamba wrote on X Tuesday that “the issue of reciprocal restrictions of air transport between Tanzania and Kenya and from Tanzania/Kenya to third countries has been amicably resolved this afternoon.”
It was also reported that Air Tanzania secured cargo traffic rights in Kenya, while Kenya Airways saw its passenger route between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam restored.
Body suspends nursing, midwifery exams following leak reports
The Tanzania Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC) announced Tuesday that it was suspending the results of registration and licensing exams for 1,330 nurses and midwives after it discovered that some exam materials had leaked before the scheduled examination date.
Englibert Kayombo, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, said in a statement that authorities became aware of the leaked examinations conducted on September 7, 2023. Following a comprehensive investigation, it was confirmed that the leaked exams had been widely circulated among diploma-level candidates.
“The ministry hereby informs the public that all results of the registration and licensing exam for diploma-level nurses and midwives have been invalidated in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Act of 2010, Training Regulations of 2010, Article 22(3),” his statement reads.
He said individuals responsible for the exam leak have been identified and suspended pending disciplinary and legal proceedings.
Mr Kayombo explained that measures have been implemented to ensure TNMC verifies the qualifications of professionals, emphasising the delivery of high-quality medical services and prioritising the safety of individuals relying on nursing and midwifery care.
In response to the invalidated results, TNMC has announced that all diploma-level candidates can retake the exam free of charge. The reexamination is scheduled for February 16, 2024, in Dodoma, with candidates not required to re-register.
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