Tanzania Home Affairs ministry’s budget reveals security overhaul ahead of 2025 elections

From July 2024 to April 2025, the ministry recruited 19,411 new officers across its key institutions, with the Tanzania Police Force absorbing 17,605 officers. Others were posted to Prisons (725), Immigration (558), Fire and Rescue (425), NIDA (49), and the ministry headquarters (49).

The Mr Bashungwa announced that another 7,666 new officers will be recruited in the coming financial year, including 5,237 for the police.

“This large-scale recruitment aims to reduce the workload of our officers and address pressing security gaps across the country,” Mr Bashungwa told the National Assembly.

Promotions have also been prioritised to boost morale, with 20,706 officers elevated in rank this year.

An additional 12,272 officers are slated for promotion in 2025/26, the majority from the Police Force.

“Promotion enhances motivation and efficiency in service delivery,” the Minister said.

The impact of these changes is already visible. According to police data shared by the Mr Bashungwa, major crimes in Tanzania dropped by 7.2 percent—from 43,147 in 2023/24 to 40,022 in the current year.

“This decline is a direct result of intensified patrols, joint operations with other security agencies, and public awareness efforts,” Mr Bashungwa noted.

Cybercrime also declined by 13.5 percent, from 865 to 748 reported cases.

“The reduction stems from online patrols, improved public education, and joint sting operations with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA),” said Mr Bashungwa.

He added that 66 suspects were arrested during cybercrime crackdowns and 50 cases were opened.

Efforts to combat financial crimes yielded a drop of 11.2 percent, from 802 to 636 cases.

The government allocated Sh2.3 billion to strengthen the Financial Crime Unit, modernise investigative tools, and train officers.

“We will continue to invest in intelligence-led investigations to protect citizens from digital and financial fraud,” the Minister stated.

In addition, illegal firearms remain a national concern. The police seized 184 firearms and 429 rounds of ammunition, while also confiscating 2,092 government trophies.

“A total of 769 suspects were arraigned in court and their cases are progressing,” Mr Bashungwa said.

To keep pace with changing threats, the government has made massive investments in surveillance.

Through the $145 million Safe Cities Project, 4,100 CCTV cameras will be installed in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha.

“We have already secured $80 million, equivalent to Sh231 billion, to implement the first phase of this project,” the Minister said.

In tandem with this, a Sh50.95 billion Highway Patrol Project will be launched to digitally monitor road safety behaviours.

“The system will detect reckless driving and help reduce road accidents, particularly along the Dar–Dodoma highway,” he said.

While traffic-related deaths decreased by 133 compared to the previous year, injuries slightly increased by 5.2 percent.

The Minister noted that more GPS-enabled enforcement and public education are planned.

The government is also investing heavily in logistics and communication.

The Police Force received 218 new vehicles and 105 motorcycles this year, with Sh34.7 billion allocated for the procurement of an additional 275 vehicles.

Furthermore, 6,010 new radio communication devices and surveillance tools have been deployed, including cameras and fingerprint systems.

“We are enhancing our capacity to respond to incidents quickly and more effectively. By June 2025, we expect the arrival of new patrol vehicles to bolster our mobility and presence on the ground,” said Mr Bashungwa.

Police have also earned Sh1.75 billion through internal business ventures such as tailoring, transport, and escort services—funds that are being reinvested in infrastructure and officer welfare.

In efforts to ensure officer well-being, the government allocated Sh2.7 billion for medical aid and death-related claims for police and their families.

“This fund provides critical support for those injured or fallen in the line of duty and ensures that no officer or family is left behind,” the Mr Bashungwa said.

Significant progress has been made in community policing. Through partnerships with civil society, the Police Force reached 7.2 million people with gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaigns.

“We have targeted religious leaders, local government authorities, women, and youth with education against GBV,” the Minister noted.

A specialised campaign titled Tuwaambie kabla hawajaharibiwa (“Let’s tell them before they are ruined) reached 196,458 students in secondary schools and colleges.

“The goal is to empower young people to identify and report abuse before it escalates,” he explained.

Police stations, command posts, and officer housing have also been prioritised.

New regional police headquarters are under construction in Geita, Manyara, and Mtwara, with others underway in Songwe, Simiyu, and Rufiji.

Over Sh22.5 billion has been budgeted for housing projects for officers and training facilities.

Beyond infrastructure and enforcement, the Ministry has expanded training. More than 15,800 officers were trained this year, and next year over 30,000 are expected to undergo training.

“This will improve professionalism and increase operational effectiveness,” said Mr Bashungwa.

In cooperation with the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), 106 officers are enrolled in postgraduate programmes in areas such as security, leadership, procurement, and computer science.

The IAA also donated 25 computers and 706 e-books to aid in academic development.

As the country approaches its next general election, the Ministry of Home Affairs says it is ready.

“Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, we are building a safer, more prepared nation. We are confident that these reforms will not only safeguard the election process but also ensure long-term peace and public trust,” said Mr Bashungwa.