Life in Dar es Salaam is undergoing noticeable change as new security measures continue to be implemented across the city. The government, working through security agencies and local authorities, has introduced a series of strategies aimed at reducing crime, improving public safety, and restoring order in fast-growing neighborhoods.
Residents say the increased presence of police patrols—both day and night—has made streets feel safer, especially in areas that previously struggled with frequent theft, traffic chaos, and disorderly behavior. Public transport hubs, markets, and busy roads are among the places where security improvements are most visible.
According to local officials, the new approach includes improved surveillance, community policing, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. These efforts are part of a wider plan to keep up with Dar es Salaam’s rapid population growth and the rising pressure on urban services.
Business owners have also begun to see the impact. Many say that with fewer incidents of robbery and vandalism, customers are more comfortable staying out later, which has boosted evening business in markets, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Residents interviewed by MwanaClick noted that children can now walk to school more safely, and public spaces such as bus stops and playgrounds feel more secure than before. Some communities have even started cooperating with police to share information and report suspicious activity.
Authorities say the ultimate goal is not just to increase policing, but to create a culture of accountability and shared responsibility. Security officers are being encouraged to engage more with communities, while residents are urged to participate in neighborhood safety initiatives.
Although the improvements are widely welcomed, some people say more still needs to be done—especially in densely populated suburbs where street lighting, road infrastructure, and sanitation challenges remain.
Still, the overall sentiment is that Dar es Salaam is on a positive path. As one city official put it, the combination of government efforts and community cooperation is “reshaping the daily life of the city and restoring a sense of calm.”
