The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, has urged the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to further strengthen its anti-corruption efforts by aligning them with Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, particularly the pillar on good governance.
Mr Kikwete made the call in Dodoma on Wednesday during a working visit to the bureau, where he met PCCB management and staff as part of an introductory engagement following his appointment.
He said the Vision 2050 framework places integrity, accountability and transparency at the heart of national development, noting that PCCB remains a key institution in safeguarding these principles.
He commended the bureau’s leadership and staff for discharging their duties with professionalism and efficiency, assuring them of continued cooperation and support from his office to enable the institution to maintain public trust.
“My deputy and I commend the management and staff for the professionalism with which you perform your duties. We are fully committed to working with you at all times so that this institution continues to earn and sustain the confidence of the public,” Mr Kikwete said.
He also called on PCCB to be more visible in communicating its achievements and interventions, stressing the importance of public awareness and education in the fight against corruption.
Mr Kikwete said effective use of both traditional and digital media, particularly social media platforms, was essential in reaching a wider audience and reinforcing anti-corruption values across society.
Deputy Minister in the same office, Ms Regina Qwaray, said the visit aimed to strengthen institutional ties and remind staff of their responsibility to work in unity, especially in overseeing and safeguarding the implementation of development projects.
She urged PCCB staff to intensify cooperation and teamwork in support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of delivering inclusive and sustainable development to Tanzanians.
“We have come to introduce ourselves and to build a closer working relationship. I call upon all of us to strengthen our commitment and collaboration so that we can effectively deliver on the President’s development agenda,” Ms Qwaray said.
Representing the Chief Secretary from the President’s Office at State House, Ms Enedy Munthali said the government would continue to ensure that PCCB is adequately supported with human and financial resources in line with its approved budget, to enable the timely execution of its mandates and programmes.
PCCB Director General, Mr Crispin Chalamila, thanked Mr Kikwete and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
He pledged continued cooperation with the ministry to further enhance efficiency and effectiveness in preventing and combating corruption.
Mr Chalamila said the bureau would continue undertaking research to identify corruption risks and systemic weaknesses, with the aim of closing loopholes and ensuring citizens receive quality public services, in line with the priorities of the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia.
Earlier, PCCB Deputy Director General, Ms Neema Mwakalyelye, asked Mr Kikwete to convey the bureau’s gratitude to President Samia for her continued support, which she said has strengthened the institution’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s emphasis on good governance as a critical driver of sustainable development under the National Development Vision 2050.