Investors encouraged to seize opportunities in Kilimanjaro

KILIMANJARO: LOCAL and foreign investors have been urged to capitalise on the opportunities following government’s efforts to create a favourable investment environment in the Kilimanjaro Region.

The call was made by Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu during the recent handover ceremony of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA)’s license agency certificate to the leadership of the Kilimanjaro Bajaj and Bodaboda Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Kibabot Saccos).

“The government, especially under the sixth phase, has significantly improved the investment climate in Kilimanjaro. Over the past three years, more than 820m/- has been allocated for developmental activities in the region,” Mr Babu said.

Represented by the Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Kiseo Nzowa, Mr Babu commended the establishment of Kibabot Saccos as a major step towards improving the livelihoods of those involved in the Bajaj and Bodaboda transport business.

LATRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CPA Habib Suluhu, highlighted that Kilimanjaro is the first region to receive LATRA’s agent license through Kibabot Saccos. This development designates the Saccos as official agents responsible for issuing Bajaj and Bodaboda licenses on behalf of LATRA.

“The decision to issue LATRA licenses through special agents is a response to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for institutions to create programmes that support young people, particularly those in self-employment, to enhance their businesses and livelihoods,” he explained.

He added that Kibabot Saccos is a pilot project, with plans to expand the programme nationwide, aiming to uplift the youth and boost the economy through the Bajaj and Bodaboda transport sector.

Kibabot Saccos Chairman, Mr Hamad Bendera, expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for officially recognising Bajaj and Bodaboda operations as legitimate businesses. “The President’s recognition has attracted support from organisations like LATRA, which are now helping us improve our businesses and welfare,” he said.

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Since the launch of the pilot programme, Kibabot Saccos has issued 556 licenses to Bajaj and Bodaboda operators, generating over 12.3m/- in revenue.

Kilimanjaro Regional LATRA Officer, Mr Paul Nyelo, mentioned that LATRA collaborated with the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s office to provide cooperative and business management training to 68 Kibabot Saccos members at the Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU) to ensure professionalism in managing the Saccos.

Kilimanjaro Regional Road Safety Committee Chairman, Mr Mohamed Nkya, noted that the establishment of Kibabot Saccos has elevated Bajaj and Bodaboda transport into a reliable and respected employment opportunity within the community.