Kariakoo Ward – History, Economy, Infrastructure and More
Kariakoo is a ward located in Ilala District in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The total population is 9,405 as of 2002. The name is derived from the corruption of the British words “Carrier Corps”, which had previously settled in the area. Kariakoo is best known for its wide-ranging market, which extends several blocks in the city.
History
Before colonialism there was a big village in what is now Kariakoo. The village was frequently attacked by slave traders. In the later part of the 19th century, this area became the farm (farm) of the Sultan of Zanzibar. During German rule, 200 hectares of farmland were purchased by a German businessman named Schoeller, who leased land to Africans. At the same time, Dar es Salaam started growing, and when Europeans built their houses in special places such as Oyster Bay, Kariakoo became a major settlement area of Dar in Africa. In 1913, 15,000 of the 24,000 Africans in Dar were living in Kariakoo.
In 1914 the German authorities purchased Kariakoo from Schoeller, with the intention of building an official African township according to the common divisive strategy used by German East Africa. Houses made of concrete were built to house the African people, and at that time a market was established; however, the arrival of World War I delayed its opening.
In 1916 the English conquered Dar es Salaam, and Kariakoo became a base for the Carrier Corps.
In 1923 the German-built market finally became operational. In the 1970’s it was heavily redesigned.
Economy and infrastructure
Kariakoo has a large market that contributes significantly to the Dar es Salaam economy. The market is situated at 67 Swahili Street. Tanzania Postal Bank is also found on Msimbazi Street of Kariakoo.
Kariakoo Market
Kariakoo market is a busy and huge market that plays a major role in Dar es Salaam’s food supply and small economy. Until recently, Kariakoo was one of the major Dala Dala “stations” found in Dar es Salaam, although it has now been moved south-east of Mawasiliano as Mawasiliano bus station.
Since the business is going well, Kariakoo Market Corp will soon open another market in the Mbezi Beach area costing Sh500m.
Sports
Kariakoo is home to the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Park which is a Youth Park as well as the Simba Sports Club.
Transportation
Kariakoo has excellent travel facilities and is located near the Julius Nyerere International Airport operating in Dar es Salaam.
Below are two transport facilities close to Kariakoo.
The bus
Kariakoo has good transport networks thanks to Dar es Salaam’s rapid transit service located just outside the ward.
Train Links
Kariakoo is serviced by the Kamata railway station on Msimbazi Street just outside the ward.
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