Samia Suluhu Dissolves Entire Electricity Board Over Frequent Power Outages

• In recent days, there has been growing public discontent over frequent power rationing in Tanzania
• Samia Suluhu appointed Rhimo Nyansaho, director of business development at Azania Bank, as the new Tanesco board chair
• Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli, the former board chair, now assumes the role of Tanzania's ambassador to Uganda

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dissolved the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) entire board of directors.

The move followed the growing public discontent over frequent power rationing in the East African nation.

The Citizen reported that Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli, the former board chair, now assumes the role of Tanzania's ambassador to Uganda, ushering in Rhimo Nyansaho, director of business development at Azania Bank, as the new board chair.

Why Tanzania is experiencing power rationing

Currently, Tanzania is under power rationing caused by reduced generation.

Low generation is a result of inadequate water levels in dams and repairs to the electricity infrastructure.

Maintenance issues and climate change-induced water shortages are said to have caused a 400-megawatt shortfall.

Tanesco, as the nation's primary electricity provider, shoulders the responsibility of meeting the burgeoning energy demands of industries and households alike.

As Tanzania navigates these critical junctures, the spotlight remains on the new board led by Nyansaho.

The hope is for strategic decisions that not only address immediate concerns but also pave the way for a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive energy future.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Tanzanian celebrities bore the brunt of jokes on social media after several power blackouts hit the East African country.

Weeks earlier, the celebrities had trolled Kenyans over a nationwide power blackout that paralysed large parts of the country, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

How Kenyans mocked Tanzanian celebrities

Mocking their change in fortune, Kenyans laughed at how the celebrities were now pleading with Tanesco to restore power after weeks of chest-thumping.

Here are some of the reactions:

@just_massari:

"The longest Kenya Power messed us up was 13hrs, and we almost picked up our pitchforks. Our neighbours are going 24hrs?”

@lucie_serero:

"Getting a taste of her own medicine.”

Tanzania, just like Kenya, is grappling with disruptions in electricity supply.

The country has been rationing power since September 2023 as a measure to ensure steady power distribution.

Blackouts in Tanzania are said to last hours and, on some occasions, days.

The end of power challenges facing the country is, however, in sight after Julius Nyerere hydropower dam started filling with water.

When complete in 2024, the dam is expected to double the country's installed capacity.