54 years after Karume: How Mwinyi is reviving a vision for health, education and housing

ZANZIBAR: A MOVING tribute captured in a local classic music refrain by veteran musician Marjan Rajabu of the Dar es Salaam International Band in 1970s, still echoes across generations: “…Heko hayati Karume, hatutokusahau kamwe… Mwenyezi Mungu akuweke pahali pema… kilichokufa ni kiwiliwili, lakini mawazo na matendo yako bado vipo…”

“Salute to the late Karume, we will never forget you… May God grant you a peaceful resting place… what has perished is only the body, but your ideas and actions live on”

The music is normally heard from public radios- TBC and ZBC during the remembrance of Late Karume, April 1 to 8, annually.

It is a reality that more than half a century after the assassination of Abeid Amani Karume, his vision of a fair and inclusive society continues to shape Zanzibar’s development path.

As the Isles mark the 54th anniversary of his death, attention has increasingly turned to how the current administration under Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi is building on the late leader’s legacy particularly in the critical sectors of health, education and housing.

Karume, Zanzibar’s first President following the 1964 Revolution, laid the foundation for social equity by introducing free education and universal healthcare policies that dismantled inequalities and ensured access to basic services for all citizens.

His government also pioneered large-scale housing initiatives, notably the “Nyumba za Maendeleo,” providing affordable homes for lowincome families.

Today, that vision is being reinterpreted to meet the needs of a growing population, now projected at over 2.1 million people in 2026.

Renewing the promise in healthcare Karume’s declaration of free medical care remains one of Zanzibar’s most enduring achievements.

Today, the government continues to expand access while improving quality.

The Acting Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, says the construction of district and regional referral hospitals is progressing in line with national development plans.

Recent data underscores both progress and challenges.

Zanzibar has made strides in disease control, yet it continues to face periodic outbreaks.

Between 2023 and early 2024, the Isles recorded over 30,000 confirmed malaria cases, with an incidence rate of about 15 cases per 1,000 people, highlighting the need for sustained investment in healthcare systems.

Despite such challenges, improvements in infrastructure and services are being felt at community level.

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New facilities are reducing pressure on urban hospitals and bringing care closer to rural populations.

“For us, access has improved a lot,” says Ms Fatma Juma, a mother of four, from North Unguja.

“We no longer travel long distances like before. Even with some contributions, services are better.”

These developments reflect a modern continuation of Karume’s commitment to universal healthcare, balancing affordability with quality.

Investing in education for future generations Education, another pillar of Karume’s legacy, is undergoing significant transformation under President Mwinyi.

The Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, says the sector has recorded notable achievements since 2020, driven by increased funding and infrastructure expansion.

Government investment in education has surged dramatically, with the sector’s budget rising by more than 200 percent, from about 265bn/- in 2021/22 to over 830bn/-in 2024/25.

This funding boost has supported the construction of new schools, rehabilitation of old ones and improved learning environments across Zanzibar. Students are already seeing the impact.

“We used to study in overcrowded classrooms,” says Ali Suleiman, a secondary school student.

“Now we have more space and better facilities.” Parents also recognise the long-term benefits.

“Education is the key to our children’s future,” says Ms Asha Khamis of Chumbuni.

“What the government is doing reflects Karume’s vision.”

Expanding access to decent housing Housing remains one of the most visible legacies of Karume’s leadership.

The iconic Michenzani flats stand as a reminder of his commitment to dignified living for ordinary citizens.

Today, President Mwinyi’s government is reviving that vision through modern housing projects in areas such as Chumbuni, Mwanakwerekwe, Mombasa and Kikwajuni.

Flats at Michenzani in Zanzibar Town are set for demolition and construction of new ones.

The Minister for Lands and Housing, Ms Rahma Kassim Ali, says plans are underway to expand housing construction across Unguja and Pemba to meet growing demand.

This demand is partly driven by population growth and rapid urbanisation, which are increasing pressure on housing and basic services.

At the same time, data shows that housingrelated costs, including water, electricity and fuel, remain a significant component of household expenditure, accounting for about 25 per cent of the consumer price index basket in Zanzibar.

New housing developments aim to address these pressures by offering modern, planned settlements with improved infrastructure.

“I grew up hearing about Michenzani as a symbol of progress,” says Abubakar Hassan Omar, a Stone Town resident.

“Now we are seeing similar projects again. It gives hope.”

A legacy that lives on More than five decades after his death, Karume’s influence remains deeply embedded in Zanzibar’s development philosophy.

His emphasis on equality, social services and dignity continues to resonate.

Under President Mwinyi, that legacy is being adapted to modern realities, population growth, economic pressures and evolving social needs, while maintaining its original spirit.

From expanding healthcare infrastructure and tackling disease outbreaks, to increasing education investment and building new housing, the government’s initiatives reflect a clear continuity of purpose.

For many Zanzibaris, this is more than policy, it is the preservation of a vision.

“Karume worked for the people, and today we still see that direction,” says Fatma Omar Juma. “His ideas are alive.”

As Zanzibar marks the 54th anniversary of Karume’s passing, the message from the old local music song rings true: while the man is gone, his vision endures visible in hospitals, classrooms and homes rising across the Islands.