This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Dar es Salaam's Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda announced plans to create a database of married men in Tanzania to curb infidelity.
Makonda's proposal aims to help unsuspecting single women avoid courting married men and reduce instances of infidelity.
Speaking during a conference in Tanzania, Makonda revealed that he had been receiving complaints from women who had been deceived by men who promised them marriage but failed to follow through.
"I have been receiving complaints from women who have been promised marriage by men, yet the men didn't fulfil the promise. I know women who have been paying bills yet the men walked away..." he said.
As part of his plan, Makonda intends to set up a database that women can use as a reference before settling down with any man. The database will contain information on all forms of marriages, including Christian, customary, Muslim, and those filed at the registrar of marriages.
Similar proposals have been made by other officials, including Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who plans to sponsor an amendment to the Marriage Act that will require men to declare the number of biological children they have while still alive.
Additionally, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has launched two hotline numbers for women with children born out of wedlock with politicians or other prominent leaders who are being neglected.
