Dar es Salaam. The citizens here have various aspirations that they strive to achieve every day, refusing to be held back by the different challenges they face—challenges that try to discourage them from pursuing their dreams.
The citizens we met across various streets of this major commercial city in the country expressed their desire to achieve these aspirations even today, with many believing that realising them depends on the leaders at the street, municipal, and even national levels.
Many of the citizens we spoke to dream of one day owning a home so they can stop renting. Others aspire to grow their capital and expand their businesses. Some long for the ability to provide their children with a quality education and secure a better future for them.
“For me, if I could at least get some help to start the business I’m familiar with, I would be very grateful,” said Moh’d Abraham of Kinondoni. “If I could get a chance to run a specific kind of business, I’d be thankful because I know my life would improve, but right now I don’t have any work at all.”
Gracei Castor, who’s engaged in the fish-selling business, told us: “In my life right now, I wish I had more capital. If I could get a large amount of capital, or even access to a loan to increase my funds, I’d be very happy.”
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Mwajabu Dadi says that she would have finished building her house and moved in, but no matter how hard she tries, business is tough.
“Here, you can work hard, do business, and earn, but the money just goes back to basics, and maybe you only make Sh200 for food,” she complained. “So, the house remains unfinished. If I had a bigger business—say, if God helped me—I would finish my house and move in. That’s it.”
“For me, I wish I could get more capital to grow my business so I can support my children and continue educating the one currently in school,” Maria Mburya, who sells samosa, says in an interview with The Chanzo.
Mama Jafa says she has five children—three boys and two girls.
“What I truly wish for in my life is to have my own place to live—a place that’s truly mine, not rented or anything like that,” she explains. “That’s my dream.”
When asked about the upcoming General Election scheduled for October 29, 2025, and whether they see any connection between their personal aspirations and this democratic process, the citizens affirmed that there is indeed a link, expressing what they hope to see in the electoral process.
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“We want peace; we don’t want chaos,” Mr Abrahaman responded when asked what he expects from the elections. “Look at me—where can I even run to? I can only pray that God takes me in peace.”
“I advise those in power to remember us, the lower class, the small-scale entrepreneurs,” Gracei said.
“We need affordable loans with low interest rates so we can borrow and repay comfortably,” she added.
“The election situation is truly confusing because, as I said, it’s unclear,” Mwajabu opined. “You might want a certain candidate, but those in power make their own arrangements.”
“What I hope for in the October 2025 elections is that they will be free and fair,” Maria said optimistically.
“Citizens should prepare to vote,” she added. “Our leaders should act responsibly, and there should be no violence. We want peace in our country because we are used to living in a peaceful nation.”
Vicky Kavishe and Hija Selemani are reporters for The Chanzo from Dar es Salaam. They’re available at vickykavishe828@gmail.com and hijaselemani9@gmail.com, respectively.
