By Respondents Reporter
Kibaha has a new District Commissioner, with Fadhil Nkurlu taking over the post from Nickson John Simon, who has been transferred to Songwe Region.
Mr Nkurlu officially assumed the office on Friday, October 2, 2026, after Mr Simon handed over the administration of the district at a ceremony attended by leaders from Kibaha Municipal Council, Kibaha District Council, political parties and government institutions.
The leadership change comes as Kibaha continues to manage development priorities across its two councils, including strengthening local revenue collection and improving public service delivery.
Speaking during the handover, Mr Simon said he was leaving Kibaha with a record of overseeing domestic revenue collection in both Kibaha Municipal Council and Kibaha District Council.
He said his time in Kibaha had also provided him with valuable experience and strong relations with residents and leaders in the district.
“I am leaving Kibaha administratively and as a public servant, but my heart remains full of love for the people of Kibaha who welcomed me, supported me and helped shape my journey,” Mr Simon said.
He said the people of Kibaha would remain an important part of his personal and professional history, thanking them for the cooperation he received during his tenure.
Mr Simon has now been transferred to Songwe Region as part of changes in the leadership of districts following President Samia Suluhu Hassan's appointment of new district commissioners.
Taking over the office, Mr Nkurlu called for cooperation among political leaders, government officials and residents, saying a common approach would be necessary to advance development in the district.
He said his administration would build on work already undertaken by his predecessor while focusing on implementation of the government agenda and the CCM election manifesto.
“My vision for Kibaha is to continue from where the previous District Commissioner stopped,” Mr Nkurlu said.
He said he expected support from political leaders, government departments and the two councils in implementing development programmes and addressing issues affecting residents.
Mr Nkurlu's call for cooperation comes as the district seeks to coordinate activities involving the municipal and rural councils, whose responsibilities include delivery of essential public services and collection of local government revenue.
Deputy Mayor of Kibaha Municipal Council Aziza Mruma welcomed Mr Nkurlu and pledged cooperation from the municipal council.
She said the council's leadership and councillors would work with the new district commissioner in implementing programmes and priorities contained in the municipal development plans.
The handover formally ended Mr Simon's assignment in Kibaha and marked the beginning of Mr Nkurlu's tenure as the district's administrative head.
For Kibaha, the transition means a change in leadership while maintaining the focus on development programmes, revenue mobilisation and coordination between government institutions and local leaders.