Not even a fire can erase history of the iconic Kariakoo hub

The majestic Kariakoo Market

The majestic Kariakoo Market in downtown Dar es Salaam, before a fire razed stalls on July 10. PHOTO | COURTESY 

In June, I spent half a day at the iconic Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam chatting with traders, food vendors, and visitors, feeling like a tourist in my own home city.

It is a must-visit for those who want a real feel of the city’s downtown commercial district. I was there just days after President Samia Hassan made a surprise tour, and admonished the market’s top management and sacked them.