Our History

Umoja wa wawezeshaji KIOO was founded in 2001 as a response to the challenges with child labor and sexual exploitation of young women and children. What began as a campaign to raise awareness and try to enact child labor protection laws quickly became something bigger. Instead of just addressing the effects, we began addressing the root cause of the region’s problems. Especially, the low level of education among young people, women and people with disability in rural areas and the challenges of economic inclusion.

For almost 20 years we have been working with Kigoma local communities to provide children and young adults with basic education and get them into the regions’ work force. Over time KIOO has increased its scope to include many other challenges facing the poor and the marginalized groups primarily living in Kigoma. Today KIOO is an organization working towards improving the living standards across the entire region and is involved in a wide range of projects focusing on increasing the level of self-sufficiency among the most vulnerable groups in the region.

Who we are

The Kigoma Region, located in the northwestern corner of Tanzania along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, is a significant area both economically and strategically. Kigoma, the regional capital, is the second-largest city on Lake Tanganyika and serves as a crucial port for commerce, facilitating trade with neighboring countries such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the 2022 national census, the Kigoma Region has a population of approximately 2,970,653 inhabitants. Administratively, the region is divided into six districts: Buhigwe, Kibondo, Kasulu, Kigoma Rural, Kakonko, and Uvinza. These districts comprise seven councils, which are further subdivided into 120 wards and 455 villages.

The Kigoma Region enjoys political stability and has experienced steady economic growth in recent years. The economy is predominantly agricultural, with agriculture and related activities contributing to 75% of the regional GDP. More than 90% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, engaging in activities such as cultivation, animal husbandry, commercial trade, and fishing. The region's fertile land and favorable climate make it ideal for agricultural production, which remains the primary economic activity for most residents.

However, the Kigoma Region faces several challenges. The influx of refugees from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to an increase in communicable diseases, including dysentery, cholera, meningitis, and AIDS. The strain on local resources has also led to a decline in village water supplies, such as wells and springs. Education development is hindered by economic barriers, as children from poor families often struggle to afford school uniforms and other necessary materials, even under the government's free education schemes. Girls are particularly affected, as families with limited resources tend to prioritize boys' education.

Infrastructure in the Kigoma Region is underdeveloped and poorly maintained. The road network is especially problematic, with severe disruptions occurring during the rainy seasons. Access to reliable and affordable infrastructure, including telecommunications, power, and water services, remains a major concern. Addressing these issues is critical for the region's continued economic growth and development.