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Tanzanian government urges HR officers to reform public service delivery

Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Engineer Zena Ahmad Said speaks at the Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Public Administration and Human Resource Management in Arusha. PHOTO | BERTHA ISMAIL

What you need to know:

  • The appeal was made by the Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Engineer Zena Ahmad Said, during the official opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Public Administration and Human Resource Management 

Arusha. Public sector human resource and administration officers have been urged to critically reassess their service delivery and implement reforms to address mounting complaints from internal and external clientS.

The appeal was made by the Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Engineer Zena Ahmad Said, during the official opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Public Administration and Human Resource Management (TAPA-HR).

The four-day meeting is being held in Arusha.

Engineer Zena said that the human resources and public administration cadre continues to face public criticism for the quality of services offered, a situation that undermines the credibility and reputation of the profession.

"While this may not apply to everyone, there are a few among you who have significantly tarnished the image of this cadre and the public service at large, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction," she said.

She urged officers to take personal responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of the profession by conducting regular self-assessments and acting with accountability.

“Each of you must take it upon yourself to uphold the values of this profession with sincerity and a positive mindset without waiting to be pointed at,” she said.

Engineer Zena also cautioned leaders within the association against power struggles and financial mismanagement, warning that such practices could destabilize the association and derail its founding objectives.

“In addition, I’ve been informed that your profession still lacks a formal regulatory board. I therefore direct TAPA-HR to collaborate with the President’s Office [Public Service Management and Good Governance] to initiate the establishment of a professional board to address emerging issues and challenges facing the cadre,” she said.

The meeting, organised by the President’s Office [Public Service Management and Good Governance], is being held under the theme:

"A new perspective on the role of human resource and administration professionals in driving change through technological transformation to improve public service delivery."

Speaking at the event, Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr Mrope Daudi, said the theme aligns with the government’s expectations in the evolving role of human resource and administration officers in the public sector.

“We expect you to move beyond traditional work habits in today’s rapidly changing world"

“You must embrace a new mindset in executing your duties to ensure the country achieves its major development plans,” he said.

“Most importantly, we hope your image shifts from being seen as harsh or unapproachable to being recognized as key enablers of institutional transformation and contributors to government success across all sectors.”

Earlier, TAPA-HR chairperson, Grace Meshy, said this is the first time the meeting is being held and features 15 sessions focused on experience-sharing, self-assessment, and steering institutional reforms in response to technological changes.

Meshy said that the forum is a vital component of efforts to prepare professionals for the dynamic demands of digital work environments, especially in public sector institutions.

“The speed of technological advancement clearly shows the urgent need for HR and administration professionals who can adapt and help drive efficiency in public service delivery,” she said.

She said the gathering as a unique platform for professionals to build capacity, share expertise, and strengthen their technical skills to enable transformative progress across government institutions.

Meshy also pointed out the key challenges facing the profession, including a tendency toward outdated work routines, limited digital skills among HR professionals, and low levels of engagement with the association.