Tanzania President: RCs Must Plan for Street Vendors, Not Use Force

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania recently directed regional commissioners and local authorities to address the growing return of small traders to streets through proper planning, including improving market access and transport services, rather than resorting to force, particularly in major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya.

This directive carries significant legal and administrative implications, signaling a shift in the government's approach to managing the informal sector. For practitioners, it underscores a move away from punitive enforcement towards a more structured, developmental, and rights-sensitive strategy. This policy change could influence the drafting and enforcement of municipal bylaws, potentially reducing arbitrary evictions and fostering a more predictable operating environment for small businesses. It also highlights the government's recognition of the economic contribution of petty traders and the need for integrated urban planning that accommodates their activities.

The legal context for this directive is rooted in Tanzania's local government administration framework, primarily governed by statutes such as the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act and the Local Government (District Authorities) Act. These acts empower regional and local authorities to manage public spaces, regulate trade, and maintain order. While the President's statement is a high-level policy instruction rather than a new statute, it provides a crucial interpretive lens for how existing laws and bylaws should be applied. It also implicitly touches upon constitutional provisions related to the right to work and economic activity, guiding authorities to balance public order with livelihood protection.

The key parties involved are President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who issued the directive, the Regional Commissioners (RCs) and local authorities who are tasked with its implementation, and the numerous small/petty traders whose livelihoods are directly affected. Attorneys advising local government entities should review current bylaws and enforcement practices to ensure they align with this new emphasis on planning and support rather than coercion. Legal professionals representing informal sector associations or individual traders should leverage this directive to advocate for fair treatment, designated trading zones, and access to essential services, potentially challenging actions that contradict the President's guidance. Businesses involved in urban infrastructure or market development may also find new opportunities arising from this policy shift.