Kariakoo Market traders protest allocation of stalls after rebuild

Dar es Salaam. A Disgruntled traders from Kariakoo Market staged a protest yesterday, demanding inclusion in the list of vendors allowed to return to the rebuilt marketplace.

The 47-year-old Kariakoo Market, which is situated in the centre of Dar es Salaam, was completely destroyed by fire in July 2021.

After deciding to reconstruct the market, the government spent Sh28 billion expanding its footprint and adding more stalls.

But in an interesting turn of events, over 800 traders protested yesterday, seeking to pressure the management of the Kariakoo Market Corporation to include their names so they can also be allocated stalls in the market, which is expected to start operating soon.

Recently, the market management announced the names of traders who would be allowed back into the market.

From a total of 1,662 traders, the market management provided a list of 891 traders who are slated to return, with others lacking the necessary criteria for re-entry.

However, the management clarified that those reinstated had contracts with the management board, while those without contracts must apply through the formal system.

The protest began as traders gathered at Mnazi Mmoja grounds at 5:30 in the morning to register with officials from the Kariakoo Market Corporation, starting activities at 3 am.

Before the registration process was completed, there were complaints from traders expressing frustration with the verification process. They later collected the chairs and tables used by the officials and forced them to leave the grounds.

As the officials departed, the traders proceeded to the sub-head office of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) on Lumumba Road, chanting, “We want our rights; we want our market.” They arrived at the offices a few minutes later. CCM officials, including the party’s administrative head, Mr Marco Mbaga, received them and urged them to calm down as the District Government leadership had already been informed.

The chairman of CCM, Dar es Salaam Region, Mr Abbas Mtemvu, also addressed the traders, emphasising the government’s stance to ensure all traders return to the market.

Ms Beatrice Mmari, whose name was not on the list, questioned why the government had left them out to fend for themselves.

Another trader, Mr Sudi Jongo, stated that the three days allocated for registration were insufficient, considering this was the third time they were being registered.

 He suggested the process be extended to one week to accommodate everyone deserving to return to the market.

After the uproar and lively protests, the District Commissioner of Ilala, Mr Edward Mpogolo, arrived at the offices at noon, promising to meet with the Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, tomorrow morning.

“I assure you, no one will lose their rights in this matter. Let’s meet at the Regional Commissioner’s office tomorrow morning at 8:00,” he said.

This statement marked the end of the protests.