THE newly installed Anglican Bishop of the Southern Highlands Diocese in Mbeya, Jacob Kahemele, has raised alarm over six social issues he says are eroding moral values and harming youth and children in Tanzania.

Speaking after his consecration and induction ceremony at the diocesan headquarters in Mbeya, attended by government and religious leaders, Bishop Kahemele called on authorities and stakeholders to act urgently.

First on his list was the rampant consumption of hard liquor among youth and children, blaming lax regulation of alcohol production and sales. "These drinks are sold cheaply—affordable even to minors—leading to addiction and reducing productivity among young people," said Kahemele, adding that related health issues like kidney disease are on the rise.

He also linked alcohol abuse to increased road accidents involving Bajaj and boda bodas drivers, where intoxicated young drivers are often at fault.

Second, he decried the growing use of tobacco, cigarettes, and shisha among young people, particularly in entertainment venues. "Without proper regulation and public education, many youth are becoming addicts, weakening the nation’s workforce," Kahemele warned.

Third, he criticised the misuse of massage parlors, which he said have become hubs for immoral behaviour. He urged the government to review licensing procedures, noting that while the services are presented as job opportunities, many operate contrary to Tanzanian values.

Fourth was the rise of exploitative microloans and scam lending companies. Kahemele described some as offering "blood-sucking loans" that burden citizens and called for stricter oversight from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

Fifth, he addressed the negative impact of gambling and sports betting. “Youth are increasingly abandoning work in hopes of gambling   through betting.   This mindset threatens national development,” he said.

Lastly, he highlighted the growing number of street children in Mbeya and Songwe regions, attributing it to parental negligence. He urged the government to hold irresponsible parents accountable.

Bishop Kahemele becomes the third bishop to lead the diocese, and he is tasked with expanding the church’s presence in the Songwe Region, with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining diocese.