Like all of Tanzania, Kahama is missing garbage collection. In the meantime, residents let garbage accumulate in public spaces like this one, the site of an abandoned construction project.
This attracts scavengers, before a fire is set to burn away the remains.
There is beauty beside the trash, though, as proud residents will tell you.
The richest people in town are the truckers and miners. The rest make their livings using motorcycles, bicycles, carts and feet.
Most men are thrilled to have their pictures taken, but most women flee the camera. This seamstress wouldn't show off her shy laugh, even after consenting to have her picture taken.
After a few more minutes of explaining what I was doing, her friends were slightly more willing.
Almost all men, such as this peanut vendor, were thrilled to be captured on camera. This man even offered me 200 shillings ($0.14 USD) for the honour.