Samia to inaugurate Sh698 billion Mtumba Government City in Dodoma

Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan will on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, inaugurate the second phase of the Government City at Mtumba, a project that has cost Sh698 billion and will provide office space for about 18,510 civil servants.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, said the inauguration would cover 26 ministry office buildings, 11 government institutions and 57.1 kilometres of paved roads.

The ceremony will be held at the Heroes Grounds in Mtumba Government City.

“President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to be the guest of honour at the inauguration of 26 ministry office buildings, 11 government institutions and 57.1 kilometres of paved roads within Mtumba Government City,” said Prof Kabudi.

He said the second phase, which began in October 2021, cost Sh698 billion.

The project includes permanent office buildings and supporting infrastructure, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to consolidate its operations in Dodoma.

Prof Kabudi said the completion of the buildings would enable about 18,510 government employees to work from the Government City.

The buildings have been designed under four prototypes, with capacity ranging from about 150 to 1,400 employees, depending on the type of structure.

The development follows the first phase, which involved the construction of 23 initial office buildings, which started on November 24, 2018, and was completed on March 22, 2019.

The initial buildings included offices for the Attorney General and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura).

The first phase enabled some ministries and government institutions to relocate to Mtumba, while others continued operating from different locations in Dodoma, including facilities at the University of Dodoma.

Prof Kabudi said the second phase would help bring government employees still working from different locations across Dodoma into one centralized hub.

“This has been made possible through significant government funding to implement the decision to relocate the country’s capital to Dodoma,” he said.

The second phase includes 57.1 kilometres of paved roads, which the government says will improve transport and access to public services within Mtumba and surrounding areas.

Bus stops have also been constructed along the roads as part of plans to provide public transport services.

The infrastructure is also designed to improve access for persons with disabilities.

Underground electricity

The Government City includes about 42 kilometres of underground electricity infrastructure, alongside water supply, wastewater, telecommunications and security systems.

Wastewater infrastructure includes receiving ponds in the Kikombo area.

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) is responsible for the electricity network, while Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) is developing the communications system and connecting it to the National ICT Backbone.

The e-Government Authority (e-GA) is connecting government buildings to ICT systems, while the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency (Temesa) is responsible for installing CCTV security cameras.

The project also includes fire and rescue facilities, natural gas infrastructure and landscaping.

Smart and green city

Prof Kabudi said Mtumba was being developed as a smart and green city, with environmental considerations incorporated into its design.

“We want a city that observes environmental conservation principles, particularly in the use of energy, water and other resources,” he said.

The buildings are designed to maximise natural light and ventilation.

The government also plans to use solar power and harvest rainwater for use across the complex.

The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) is responsible for tree planting and landscaping.

The Government City will also be guided by a master plan covering Mtumba and the area towards the Chamwino State House.

Prof Kabudi said the master plan was being reviewed and updated, while an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment would guide further development.

Local content

The second phase of the office-building project has involved 11 contractors, including five public institutions and six private companies.

Five public institutions have also served as consultants.

They include the Tanzania Buildings Agency (TBA), National Housing Corporation (NHC), ABEC Company Limited, Mbeya University of Science and Technology (Must) and Watumishi Housing Investment.

Tarura is responsible for roads and drainage, while the Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Duwasa) is handling water and wastewater infrastructure.

Prof Kabudi said the project demonstrated the capacity of Tanzanian institutions and companies to undertake major public infrastructure projects.

“Mtumba Government City is more than buildings. It is more than roads, water supply and wastewater infrastructure. It is a source of national pride,” he said.

A milestone in Dodoma relocation

The Mtumba project is part of the broader effort to establish Dodoma as Tanzania’s administrative capital.

The Executive and Parliament are already based in Dodoma, while the Judiciary has also completed its relocation to the capital.

Prof Kabudi said the development of Mtumba would strengthen Dodoma’s role as the centre of government activities and create wider economic and social opportunities.

“Investment in Dodoma is part of the journey towards building a Tanzania with a stronger economy, better services and modern infrastructure that enables the government to operate efficiently and serve citizens,” he said.

Fireworks to precede inauguration

Residents of Mtumba, Mahomanyika, Ihumwa, Chamwino, Dodoma City and Chimwaga, including the University of Dodoma area, have been invited to participate in the celebrations.

A fireworks display is scheduled for midnight on the night leading into September 8 at Mtumba Centre.

Prof Kabudi urged residents not to panic when they see or hear the fireworks, saying they will mark the major event.

The inauguration is expected to mark a significant milestone in Tanzania’s long-running effort to consolidate government operations in Dodoma.