Unguja. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed town planning authorities in Zanzibar to allocate designated areas for sports and children’s entertainment facilities.
She also urged authorities to ensure the spaces are protected against encroachment and conversion to alternative uses.
President Hassan made the statement on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during the launch of a children’s amusement park in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, as part of the Kizimkazi Festival 2026.
"Often, areas set aside for children end up being converted for other activities after a short time, depriving children of safe spaces to play and learn through sports," said President Hassan.
She called on relevant ministries and authorities to properly supervise these facilities, while welcoming private sector investors to invest in constructing and developing children’s infrastructure to collectively build an ethical and healthy generation.
The President said the initiative should be supported through coordinated efforts by government institutions, communities and the private sector, ensuring that facilities are managed, maintained and made accessible to children.
She said investment in such spaces would also help nurture talent among children.
President Hassan expressed satisfaction with the parks, noting that they are not merely entertainment venues, but crucial environments for child rearing and growth, as sports instil discipline, creativity, respect, cooperation and confidence, while contributing to physical and mental health.
However, she cautioned park management to ensure the grounds are not used in ways that could corrupt the moral values of children aged between three and 15 years.
She emphasised strict management, demanding that technology such as music, films and electronic games be age-appropriate while respecting societal traditions, customs and ethics.
President Hassan also condemned the display of inappropriate images or content in these spaces, reiterating that children’s parks should remain safe environments for upbringing, entertainment and learning.
To ensure child safety, the President commended the decision to use sand around swing areas instead of hard flooring, saying the measure protects children from severe injuries when they fall or push each other while playing.
Furthermore, she said the parks had begun boosting domestic tourism, with citizens from various parts of Unguja travelling to Kizimkazi to visit them.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Following this increase, President Hassan invited investors to expand child-related services, including toy shops and other facilities that can help children enjoy entertainment while learning.
She officially handed over the parks to regional and district leaders, emphasising that generated revenues should be preserved and used for infrastructure maintenance to ensure longevity and long-term service to children.
President Hassan also urged parents and guardians to continue raising children on foundations of faith, morality and love, stressing that the greatest heritage society can leave behind is not just property, but a safe, peaceful nation enabling them to achieve their dreams.
Minister for Social Development, Gender, Elderly and Children Anna Atanas Paul said rural children also deserve better environments to play, learn and nurture their talents.
She stressed the importance of having such centres across all regions of Zanzibar to ensure children enjoy equal opportunities to grow in physically, mentally and socially enriching environments.
“These centres should not be viewed merely as sports and entertainment spaces, but as vital components of child rearing and welfare,” she said.
According to Ms Paul, the Ministry has begun reaching rural children through Day Centres, aimed at providing care and early learning from as young as two years.
"The government aims to narrow the opportunity gap between urban and rural children, giving every child the chance to start their life journey in a conducive environment," said the minister.
South Unguja Regional Commissioner, Ms Hamida Mussa Khamis, said the region continues to expand opportunities for children to access safe spaces for play and health promotion following the opening of designated children’s grounds in Kizimkazi.
She noted that launching the grounds is a crucial step aligned with the rapid development momentum witnessed across the region and neighbouring areas.
"These grounds have been specifically prepared for children aged between one and 15 years, aiming to provide a safe, friendly environment to play, learn and build health," said the Regional Commissioner.
She added that the rising child population and regional development make demand for more grounds essential, preventing children from playing in unsafe environments.
