Local Leaders Urge Fair Pay Amid Deepening Governance Crisis in Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

On October 22, 2024, Tanzanians cast their ballots in primary elections for local government leaders, a pivotal event that will significantly influence the future of grassroots governance. This election follows a substantial expansion of administrative units implemented a decade ago, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing local representation and service delivery.

In October 2014, the government increased the number of wards from 2,802 to 3,337, villages from 11,795 to 12,423, neighborhoods (mitaa) from 2,995 to 3,741, and hamlets from 60,359 to 64,616.

This surge was driven by rapid population growth and settlement expansion, aimed at improving service delivery by decentralizing power. However, the expansion has also sparked concerns about resource allocation and administrative efficiency, raising questions about whether the increase in local units has improved governance or strained it further. The 2024 elections are crucial in addressing these challenges and determining the effectiveness of this expansion.

However, while celebrations were held by those who emerged victorious, questions linger about the quality of leadership that these elections may bring. Is the competition fierce enough, and do the candidates possess the qualifications to lead effectively? These are issues that demand critical thinking.

One example of this election process is in Kitobo ward, located in Misenyi District, Kagera Region, where residents were voting for prospective chairpersons for hamlets and villages in their locality. The stakes were high as these elected leaders would be responsible for ensuring representation at the village and hamlet levels.

Nevertheless, unlike in the 1990s, when political enthusiasm was high, today, there is a noticeable decline in the energy surrounding these elections, particularly within the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Veteran politicians recall that in previous years, there was intense excitement surrounding local elections. Older candidates would go to great lengths to secure these positions, sometimes even taking out loans to finance their campaigns.

However, the dynamics have shifted. Nowadays, those contesting these grassroots positions are often individuals with limited financial means, and qualified people are increasingly reluctant to engage in politics. The reason? Many see it as diminishing their social status, perceiving local political leadership as a burden rather than an opportunity for influence.

This reluctance is compounded by the fact that these leadership positions are, in many cases, unpaid or come with little financial incentive. Since the introduction of end-of-term gratuities for councilors, who receive a modest amount of Sh 15 million after five years of service, other local leaders, including ten-cell leaders and village chairpersons, remain essentially volunteers.

This disparity has demotivated many would-be leaders from prioritizing these critical roles. As a result, individuals who do step up to fill these positions often do so out of necessity, and without the backing of regular pay, their focus can shift away from public service.

Moreover, local leaders, especially those in villages and hamlets, face substantial challenges. They are the frontline responders when issues like theft, floods, or other emergencies arise. Despite their critical roles in maintaining community security and coordinating with regional defense and security committees, they receive little recognition, let alone financial compensation.

These leaders are also expected to play a significant role in campaigning during general elections, drumming up support for Members of Parliament, councilors, and even the President. However, these same politicians often fail to acknowledge their contributions once elected, leaving local leaders with no steady income and a feeling of betrayal.

The lack of financial support has led to an increasing number of allegations of corruption among local leaders. For example, in some rural areas, there have been widespread accusations of village leaders demanding small bribes for services like affixing official stamps on National Identification Cards (NIDA) or for loan application forms.

While these payments, typically around Sh 2,000, may seem insignificant, they represent a larger issue of systemic corruption, rooted in the leaders' need to supplement their incomes. These acts of petty corruption tarnish the image of local governance, but they also reflect the financial struggles that many of these leaders face. If leaders are expected to serve without compensation, how can they be expected to refrain from engaging in such practices?

In recent times, some senior political figures have publicly criticized the financial status of local leaders. They argue that individuals seeking these positions should have adequate personal wealth to avoid becoming beggars or accepting bribes from the citizens they serve.

 However, this critique overlooks a key issue: why would someone with a stable job or reliable income give up their time to engage in local politics, especially if it offers no financial rewards? It is unreasonable to expect individuals to dedicate themselves fully to unpaid roles while simultaneously maintaining their primary jobs.

The quality of leadership at the village and hamlet levels has declined in recent years, with positions increasingly filled by individuals of questionable integrity, including those with criminal backgrounds. This deterioration has led to increased land disputes, as some leaders have been accused of selling the same plot of land multiple times for bribes.

 In September 2024, discontent surged among local leaders in Maswa District, Simiyu Region, who demanded the government pay a debt of Sh 152,533,050 in unpaid allowances and stipends.

During a council meeting, Hamlet chairpersons expressed their frustrations, highlighting their continued service despite the government's neglect. George Gogadi, chairperson of Majebele Hamlet, called for an audit into potential embezzlement, while Madaraka Saira of Kiwanja cha Ndege criticized officials for misusing their allowances for personal gain.

 With local elections set for November 27, some leaders threatened protests if payments were not made by October 25, with Nkinda Idama of Nyabiti Hamlet vowing to march to the district council for justice, regardless of the risks.

The solution seems clear: if local leaders are genuinely essential to the political and social fabric of the country, then they should be compensated for their work. Setting aside a portion of the national budget to pay these leaders would motivate them to focus on their duties without resorting to corrupt practices.

 Political will and a coordinated effort are needed to make this change happen. After all, if the government can allocate significant funds for other sectors, why not ensure that local leaders, who serve as the foundation of governance, receive fair compensation?

One glaring example of the consequences of underpaying local leaders can be seen in the issue of illegal immigration. In the past, no one could enter a village without first reporting to the local leader, usually a hamlet chairperson.

Today, with an influx of illegal immigrants, these leaders are often the first to be blamed. However, how can they be expected to perform their duties effectively when they are not even given the basic resources needed to do their job?

The growing grievances among local leaders underscore the urgent need for reform in Tanzania’s governance system. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have successfully tackled similar issues by ensuring timely compensation and fostering strong accountability measures for local leaders. By addressing the unpaid wages of local officials, Tanzania can strengthen the integrity of governance at the community level. The time for action is now, as the future of local leadership—and, ultimately, the welfare of the citizens—hangs in the balance.

On April 24, 2019, during a parliamentary session in Dodoma, Former Iringa Urban MP Peter Msigwa from Chadema raised concerns about inadequate compensation for village and hamlet chairpersons, questioning the government's plans to improve their salaries.

 In response, former Deputy Minister Mwita Waitara acknowledged the issue, stating, “We could pay salaries, but many leaders are doing significant work. We recognize this and have directed that they be paid, though the amount may be small.” He emphasized that while some areas have not compensated these leaders adequately, “if the government's capacity allows, our fellow leaders will receive their entitlements,” highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure fair remuneration in community governance.