Airtel Tanzania has commissioned a new 4G telecommunications tower in Kayenze, a move aimed at strengthening network coverage and improving service quality for residents who have long faced connectivity challenges.
The rollout forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand reliable and affordable communication services, particularly in fast-growing urban and peri-urban communities across Tanzania.
Speaking during the launch on May 9, 2026, Zonal Business Manager of Airtel Tanzania in Mwanza, Mr Mlaki Mchala said Airtel recognises that income levels remain a challenge for many Tanzanians, making affordability a key priority in its service delivery.
He said the company continues to enhance competition in mobile financial services, particularly Airtel Money, with a focus on reducing costs for everyday transactions.
“Airtel is currently among the operators offering some of the lowest transaction charges in the market,” he said, adding that the company had also eliminated fees for its Lipa service to ease costs for customers.
“Previously, customers raised concerns over high charges in Lipa services. We have now removed those fees entirely, and we will continue improving these services as demand grows,” he added.
Mchala said Airtel’s priority is to strengthen network quality while ensuring services remain accessible, reliable, and affordable for a wider population.
Residents of Kayenze welcomed the development, saying it marks a significant improvement in communication services in the area.
Mektirida Jacob said the new infrastructure would resolve long-standing network disruptions.
“Now that the tower is here, things will improve significantly. We used to experience frequent call drops, but that will no longer be the case,” he said, adding that residents hope for continued service improvements and promotional offers on airtime, SMS, and data.
Yasin Haruna, a chairperson of Kayenze Ward also commended the development, describing it as a major milestone for the community.
“We are grateful that the company has reached our area and built this tower. We pledge to protect it so it can continue serving us for a long time,” he said.
Kayenze is one of the rapidly growing wards in Ilemela under the Ilemela Municipal Council. It comprises five streets, 4,187 households, and a population of 17,201 residents.
The area’s economy is driven by fishing, agriculture, and small-scale trade, largely supported by its proximity to Lake Victoria.
Local authorities say improving telecommunications infrastructure is key to supporting economic activity, education, and access to public services in the growing community.
Launching the 4G tower, Councilor of Kayenze Ward, James Katoro urged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure.
“These investments cost significant public and private resources. It is everyone’s duty to ensure they are protected and properly maintained,” he said.
He also noted that the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to implement development projects aimed at improving service delivery and expanding infrastructure across the country.
