Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi) to ensure that the reinstatement of former traders at the rebuilt Kariakoo Main Market is carried out fairly, transparently and without favouritism, following the completion of the new modern facility.
The Head of State issued the directive on February 8, 2026, during the official launch of the newly reconstructed market complex in Dar es Salaam, stressing that lessons must be drawn from the management weaknesses that affected the previous structure before it was destroyed by fire.
President Samia said the earlier market suffered from an unregulated leasing system that led to loss of government revenue and persistent complaints from traders over unfair allocation of stalls and business spaces. She noted that the new system must correct those gaps and restore confidence among legitimate traders.
“We have learnt from the past. Today, we have not merely repaired the market that was destroyed by fire; we have built a new six-storey complex equipped with a range of services for traders,” she said. “It is essential that those who were previously inside are returned without bias, and that those who operated outside are allocated the available spaces fairly.”
She recalled visiting the market prior to reconstruction and witnessing overcrowding inside the premises, with many traders operating in congested conditions while others conducted business outside due to a shortage of stalls. According to the President, that situation demonstrated the urgent need not only for rebuilding Kariakoo but also for expanding modern market infrastructure in other parts of the country.
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The newly completed six-storey complex includes improved trading spaces, storage facilities, safety systems and service areas designed to support small and medium-scale traders. The government expects the upgraded infrastructure to enhance business efficiency, safety and revenue collection.
President Samia further instructed Tamisemi and local government authorities to prevent monopolistic behaviour and preferential treatment during the allocation process. She said stall distribution must follow verified records and established procedures to ensure that genuine former traders benefit first.
She emphasised that Kariakoo Market is a strategic commercial hub and a major contributor to public revenue, and therefore requires professional and accountable management.
The President added that a fair allocation system will not only protect traders’ livelihoods but also strengthen government income streams while providing a safe and orderly environment for commerce. Authorities have been tasked with closely supervising the process and addressing complaints promptly to avoid disputes.
