Tanzania reviews productivity of four state-owned farms in Kilimanjaro Region

SANYA JUU: THE Tanzanian government is reviewing the productivity and use of four state-owned farms in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, as part of efforts to ensure public assets generate greater economic benefits for citizens.

Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, inspected the farms today, August 12, 2026,  to assess their performance and determine how they could be used more effectively to advance commercial agriculture and the national economy.

The farms—Harlington, Journey’s End, Fosters and Kanamodo—are managed by the Treasury Registrar on behalf of the government.

Speaking to residents of Ngarenairobi Ward in Endumeki Village during his visits to the farms Prof Mkumbo said investment should not be viewed solely as something that must come from outside the country.

He said the government itself had a responsibility to invest in and develop public assets for the benefit of Tanzanians.

“Investment does not necessarily have to come from outside the country. The government, as a government of the people, will ensure that investments generate benefits for all,” Prof Mkumbo said.

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He assured Siha residents that while the government remained committed to attracting investors, it would not make decisions that compromised the interests of local communities.

Prof Mkumbo was accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, Investment, Dr Fred Msemwa; Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Msechu; Siha District Commissioner Dr Christopher Timbuka; and Siha Member of Parliament Dr Godwin Mollel.

The Treasury Registrar manages 10 government-owned farms considered strategic assets for developing commercial agriculture and supporting the national economy.

Six of the farms were formerly owned by the National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO) and remained under government ownership during the privatisation exercise following a presidential directive halting their sale so they could instead be developed and used productively.

These include Basotu, Hanang, Namtumbo, Ruvuma, Harlington, Journey’s End, Fosters and Kanamodo, with the latter four located in West Kilimanjaro.

The remaining four farms were acquired by the government through various arrangements in the broader national interest. They are KPL Mng’eta in Morogoro, Malalua Flower Farm in Arusha, Kiliflora Usa River and Kiliflora Chekereni in Arusha.

The government’s assessment is expected to inform decisions on improving the utilisation and productivity of the farms while ensuring the public assets contribute more effectively to agricultural development, investment and economic growth.