MWANZA: A PROFESSIONAl, accountable, and citizen-centred public service remains the foundation of effective governance in any country.
While governments often invest heavily in infrastructure, industrial development, and social programmes, the success of these investments ultimately depends on the competence, integrity, and commitment of public servants responsible for delivering services to citizens.
In Tanzania, this reality has placed renewed emphasis on strengthening the public service through continuous training, legal education, and institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency and restoring public trust.
Central to this effort is the Public Service Commission, which has intensified nationwide programmes to educate public servants on their legal responsibilities, rights, and ethical obligations.
Strengthening public service awareness across institutions
The Commission’s recent outreach activities reflect a growing recognition that effective governance requires more than policies on paper.
It requires public servants who understand the legal framework within which they operate and who are committed to upholding professional standards in their daily work. Recently, commissioners and senior officials from the Office of the President – Public Service Commission visited Ilemela Municipal Council in Mwanza Region as part of a comprehensive capacity-building programme.
The initiative brought together municipal employees for an intensive session designed to strengthen understanding of public service laws, regulations, and administrative procedures. The programme also provided an opportunity for employees to engage directly with Commission officials, ask questions, and raise concerns affecting their work environment and career progression.
This interactive approach was intended to bridge gaps in understanding while reinforcing the principles of accountability and transparency in public service delivery.
During the engagement, Commissioner Mr Nassor Mnambila provided an in-depth overview of the Public Service Commission’s structure and mandate.
He explained that the Commission exists to ensure that Tanzania’s public service operates strictly in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws, regulations, and established administrative procedures.
He emphasised that the Commission derives its authority from the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which requires all public institutions to function lawfully, transparently, and efficiently in serving citizens.
According to Mr Mnambila, the Commission’s core responsibility is to safeguard professionalism within the public service by ensuring that systems of governance are properly followed and that employees and appointing authorities adhere to legal frameworks guiding public administration. He stated clearly: “The Commission exists to ensure that the public service is managed and operated according to the law and the principles governing public administration.” Beyond its oversight function, the Commission also plays a key advisory role to the President on public service matters under Article 36 of the Constitution.
It is further responsible for developing reform guidelines, educating public servants and appointing authorities, building institutional capacity, and handling appeals and complaints lodged by public servants seeking administrative justice. These functions, he noted, are essential in promoting fairness, professionalism, and accountability across government institutions.
Reinforcing accountability at the individual level
While institutional reforms are critical, Commission leaders stressed that sustainable change depends heavily on individual responsibility. Public servants, they noted, must understand that the quality of public service delivery begins with personal discipline, integrity, and commitment to duty.
Commissioner Ms Salama Twalibu reminded employees that many disciplinary cases handled by the Commission arise from avoidable misconduct. She highlighted absenteeism as one of the most persistent challenges affecting efficiency in government offices.
She warned that failure to report to work without lawful justification not only disrupts service delivery but also exposes employees to disciplinary action, which may have long-term consequences on their careers.
Ms Twalibu urged public servants to embrace punctuality, discipline, and dedication as core values of their profession, stressing that effective public service cannot exist without personal accountability.
Clarifying rights and responsibilities
One of the most engaging sessions was delivered by Assistant Secretary in the Commission’s Appeals and Complaints Department, Mr Robert John.
He addressed a topic often misunderstood by many public servants: the relationship between rights and responsibilities in public employment.
He explained that duties refer to the obligations every public servant is legally required to perform under existing laws, government regulations, administrative procedures, and the public service ethical code.
These duties are designed to ensure that citizens receive quality services while protecting the broader public interest. Rights, on the other hand, refer to entitlements that employees are legally and administratively guaranteed under the same legal framework governing public service employment.
However, Mr John cautioned that rights cannot be separated from responsibilities. He stressed that failure to fulfil duties may result in disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the offence.
“A public servant must perform his or her duties according to the law, regulations and procedures. Failure to fulfil these responsibilities may attract disciplinary measures ranging from warnings and salary deductions to demotion or dismissal,” he said.
His presentation reinforced a fundamental principle of public administration: accountability must always be balanced with fairness to maintain an effective and credible public service system. Beyond formal presentations, the programme created an interactive platform where employees engaged openly with Commission officials.
Participants raised questions on issues such as recategorisation procedures, disciplinary processes, legal provisions governing dismissal, and matters related to trade unions. This open dialogue was critical in addressing misconceptions and ensuring that employees clearly understand the policies and legal frameworks governing their employment. It also strengthened transparency and trust between public servants and oversight institutions.
Such engagements are increasingly viewed as an important tool in public sector reform, as they help reduce misinformation while fostering cooperation between employees and regulatory bodies. Speaking on behalf of employees at Ilemela Municipal Council, Mr Mohamed Atiki expressed appreciation for the Commission’s initiative to deliver the training directly at the workplace.
He described the programme as timely and highly beneficial, noting that it addressed long-standing questions and concerns among staff members. Mr Atiki assured the Commission that employees would apply the knowledge gained to improve discipline, professionalism, and service delivery within the council.
As Tanzania continues to implement public sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability, capacity-building initiatives like the one conducted in Ilemela highlight an important lesson: institutional reform is not only about new policies, but also about empowering the people who implement them. A well-informed workforce that understands both its rights and responsibilities is more likely to deliver quality public services, uphold ethical standards, and strengthen public trust in government institutions. For the Public Service Commission, such outreach programmes represent a strategic investment in good governance. By taking training directly to local government offices, the Commission ensures that reforms are understood not only at policy level but also at operational level. For employees, the programme served as a reminder that excellence in public service is built on professionalism, integrity, discipline, and a strong commitment to serving citizens. As Tanzania advances its governance reforms, initiatives that promote legal awareness, ethical conduct, and professional discipline will remain central to building a responsive and accountable public service. The Ilemela engagement demonstrated that sustainable reform depends on continuous education, open dialogue, and shared commitment between institutions and employees. Ultimately, a strong public service is not defined solely by structures and policies, but by the daily actions of individuals who choose to serve with integrity, responsibility, and dedication to the public good.