President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed her government’s dedication to transforming Tanzania’s poultry sector through a major new initiative that will see free poultry vaccines distributed nationwide. The program is expected to enhance productivity, protect flocks from devastating diseases, and raise the country’s export capacity in regional and international markets.
Speaking during her campaign tours across the Lake Zone, President Samia emphasized that the poultry industry has immense potential to uplift rural incomes if properly supported. She noted that poultry farming is a reliable source of employment, nutrition, and income for millions of Tanzanians, especially women and youth. However, challenges such as frequent disease outbreaks, lack of quality vaccines, and inadequate technical knowledge have continued to limit farmers’ success. To address this, her administration plans to provide free vaccines and veterinary services, ensuring that even small-scale farmers can access the necessary resources to protect their poultry and increase yields.
President Samia explained that this initiative forms part of the broader government strategy to strengthen the agricultural value chain, emphasizing not only poultry but also crop and livestock integration. “We are determined to empower every farmer to benefit from their work,” she said, adding that the initiative will help Tanzania achieve food security and position the nation as a leading exporter of poultry products in East Africa.
To make the program effective, the government has already deployed 700 agricultural extension officers across various regions. Their role will be to guide farmers on best poultry management practices, oversee the vaccination rollout, and ensure proper biosecurity standards are maintained to minimize losses. The officers will also provide training on feed formulation, breeding, and disease prevention—helping farmers to adopt modern, efficient methods of production.
President Samia further outlined complementary measures aimed at supporting the broader agricultural sector. She announced plans to expand irrigation infrastructure using water from Lake Victoria, enabling farmers to practice year-round production and reduce dependence on rainfall. The government will also continue investing in the national water grid to ensure that rural and urban areas alike have reliable access to clean water for both human and agricultural use.
In addition to agricultural improvements, President Samia highlighted the government’s investments in other key sectors within the Lake Zone, including health, education, energy, and transport. She noted that over Tsh 5.6 trillion has been allocated for infrastructure and social development projects in the region. Among these are the rehabilitation of MV Umoja, which now has the capacity to transport up to 1,200 tonnes of cargo, and the ongoing construction of MV Mwanza, a modern passenger and cargo vessel expected to enhance trade across Lake Victoria.
Health services are also receiving a significant boost, with the construction of a new five-story maternal and child health center at Sekou Toure Regional Hospital and expanded facilities at Bugando Medical Centre. Plans are also underway to elevate Nansio Hospital in Ukerewe to specialist status, ensuring better healthcare delivery to residents.
In education, the government has established three new vocational training colleges to equip young people with hands-on skills relevant to the job market. Rural electrification projects and improved road networks have also been rolled out to connect communities and stimulate business growth in remote areas.
President Samia concluded by urging Tanzanians to maintain peace, unity, and active participation in national development. She called on citizens to continue supporting government initiatives and to vote wisely in upcoming elections to sustain ongoing progress.
Through this comprehensive plan—anchored in free poultry vaccination, enhanced farmer training, and investment in infrastructure—Tanzania aims not only to uplift local poultry farmers but also to strengthen its agricultural backbone and increase export earnings, ultimately driving inclusive economic growth across the nation.
