The forecast El Niño rains continue to disrupt several key scheduled events across Tanzania.
The Rombo Marathon and Ndafu Festival, which were planned for December 23, 2026, at Rongai Forest in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, have officially been rescheduled to 2027.
The rescheduling of the major sporting and cultural events was announced on October 17, 2026, by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, during a planned press conference in Dodoma Capital City.
Prof. Mkenda said the decision was made following warnings of heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
He explained that it would be unwise to continue inviting participants from different parts of the country to spend their own money travelling to attend the events when adverse weather conditions could potentially endanger their safety.
The Don told reporters that the decision was reached after consultations with the organising board, stressing that the safety and well-being of participants must take precedence over proceeding with the events simply because of their popularity.
He added that preparations would continue to ensure that the 2027 editions of the Rombo Marathon and Ndafu Festival are held on a much larger scale.
According to him, the events have delivered various benefits, including providing entertainment for participants and their families while promoting domestic tourism through the scenic Rongai Forest and areas around Mount Kilimanjaro.
“Participants have been coming from different parts of the country and abroad, with some leaders and politicians from neighbouring countries also taking part in the marathon,” Prof. Mkenda added.
Furthermore, Prof. Mkenda said the Rombo Marathon had contributed to community development through funds raised, which had been directed towards improving schools and healthcare services, including those at Huruma Hospital.
He explained that the Ndafu Festival had also served as a platform for attracting visitors, promoting tourism and stimulating economic activities in the area.
Commenting on the decision to postpone the events, Prof. Mkenda said that although the move was disappointing, the organisers had a responsibility to participants to heed experts’ warnings about the anticipated weather conditions.
He insisted that the decision was intended to protect people’s safety and urged stakeholders to continue preparing for the 2027 editions of the Rombo Marathon and Ndafu Festival.