Disciplinary bodies cautioned on public service law
MOROGORO: MINISTER of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete has said the government will strictly continue to build a public service founded on integrity, accountability and quality service delivery to citizens.
Mr Ridhiwani made the remarks in Morogoro recently, while opening a training session for Water Authorities across the country on the implementation of the Public Service Act, Cap. 298 (Revised Edition of 2023), the use of an electronic system for handling appeals and complaints, and the submission of public service reports to the Public Service Commission.
He said his office will continue to oversee and support the Commission in executing its statutory mandate to strengthen ethics and accountability in the public service.
The minister noted that in the course of carrying out its responsibilities, the Commission has identified violations of public service laws, regulations and procedures in the management of human resources in some Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities.
According to Mr Ridhiwani, records show that out of 52 appeals received from Water Authorities and determined by the Commission during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years up to December 2025, 20 appeals, equivalent to 38 per cent, involved violations of public service laws and procedures.
He said the violations compelled the Commission to return cases for fresh disciplinary proceedings or to clear appellants of wrongdoing and reinstate them to their positions.
As a result, the minister directed all disciplinary authorities nationwide, including those in Water Authorities, to strictly observe laws, regulations and procedures when managing human resources in the public service to avoid unnecessary losses to the government.
“There are employers, appointing authorities and disciplinary authorities who fail to discharge their duties properly when instructed to submit documents related to appeals and complaints to the Commission. This has caused public servants to wait for long periods before obtaining justice,” Mr Kikwete said.
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He urged employers, appointing and disciplinary authorities across the country to submit appeal and complaint documentation to the Commission within the timelines prescribed by law, warning that failure to comply will attract disciplinary action.
Mr Ridhiwani also commended the Commission for developing the Public Service Commission Management Information System (PSCMIS), an electronic platform for handling appeals, complaints and the submission of public service data.
“The submission of quarterly public service reports, which previously required manual completion of various forms, will now be done electronically through the system,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, retired Judge Hamisa Kalombola, said violations of laws, regulations and procedures have led to delays in resolving appeals, denying affected public servants timely justice.
She thanked the government for continued budgetary and institutional support, which has enabled the Commission to perform its duties effectively, improve public service management and enhance service delivery to Tanzanians.
