10 best Tanzanian bloggers have been recognized by the Mobile
Firm Vodacom as the most influential bloggers in the Tanzanian community. The event was prepared by Vodacom to promote online media and information
sharing through technology. The event was named Vodacom Award for Digital Excellency where
by the selected bloggers were were chosen according to their work impact on the community among other things, Vodacom awarded smart phones and modems to winners to
facilitate their daily work.
The successful blog writers included Issa Michuzi, a
pioneer, John Kitime, a Tanzanian artist who uses the digital technology to
inspire young musicians and Masoud Kipanya who has proven to be among the best
cartoonist in the country.
Other writers were Elsie Ekayunze running Mikocheni Report,
Umoja wa Vijana FM, Millard Ayo of Millardayo.com, Miriam Rose Kinunda of Taste
of Tanzania and Mike Mushi of Jamii Forums . Those awarded also included Rachel
Hamad of Mambo magazine and Fatma Hassan of DJ Fetty blog.
Speaking during the occasion in Dar es Salaam, Vodacom head
of brands and communication Kelvin Twissa said the goal was to inspire more
Tanzanians to run blogs and create forums for open discussions.
“Tanzania still has few blogs and websites. We need to
encourage people to open more blogs that will aim to discuss development
issues,” said Mr. Twissa.
He said currently Tanzania has about 5000 blogs discussing
different themes, however, the number
does not match the country’s population that stands over 40 million.
He said the recognition event will be held annually
challenging blog and website owners to improve their designs and quality of the
contents they publish.