With just one day remaining before Tanzanians head to the polls, livestock keepers nationwide have pledged resounding support for CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing her government’s transformative investment in the livestock sector.

Speaking in Mwanza yesterday, October 27, the national chairperson of the Tanzania Livestock Keepers’ Association , Murida Mshota, said over 4.26 pastoralists across the country have unanimously resolved to stand behind Samia, acknowledging her unmatched record in addressing their long-standing challenges and improving their welfare.
“Livestock keepers from all corners of Tanzania have made their choice — our vote is for Samia” declared Mshota. “She has done more for us than any government before her.”
Mshota explained that under President Samia’s leadership, the livestock sector’s budget has surged from 179bn/- to 475bn/-, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to growth and modernization.
He added that this year alone, the government allocated 210bn/- for nationwide cattle vaccination campaigns and 69bn/- for the construction and rehabilitation of 754 dipping facilities across 184 local government authorities.
 “The investments have improved animal health, reduced disease outbreaks, and increased productivity in both meat and dairy production,” he noted.

Tanzania’s meat exports, Mshota revealed, have jumped from 1,700 tonnes to 14,000 tonnes, opening up new international markets and creating economic opportunities for livestock keepers.
He also praised the government’s introduction of financial credit facilities for pastoralists — an initiative that previously did not exist.
“Before Samia’s administration, not a single livestock keeper had access to formal loans. Today, over 8,000 livestock keepers have received more than 106.9bn/- in credit,” Mshota said, adding that the loans have enabled many to expand their herds and improve productivity.
Mshota commended the government’s success in resolving land-use conflicts between herders and crop farmers, disputes that had for years caused instability in several regions.
“We now see peaceful coexistence where there was once tension. In Morogoro, for example, through the Tupendane initiative, both farmers and herders are now living and working together harmoniously,” he explained.
Highlighting further progress, he noted that more than seven million cattle have been vaccinated under Samia’s leadership — a record achievement that has drastically reduced livestock mortality and improved milk and meat yields.
“These efforts are not only transforming the livestock industry but also strengthening rural economies and household incomes,” he said.
Mshota urged livestock keepers, particularly the youth, to turn out in large numbers and vote on Election Day to safeguard the sector’s progress.