President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officially launch a national conference for government drivers in Dodoma on September 16, 2026, as the profession seeks to strengthen skills, discipline and service delivery across the public sector.
The Tanzania Government Drivers Association (CMST) said the conference will run from September 12 to 19 and bring together government drivers and key institutions involved in transport, training, employment and public administration.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, CMST Chairman Said Yusuph said the conference would provide an important platform for drivers to improve their professional skills while accessing services that directly affect their work and welfare.
“We have organised a major conference for government drivers. Various institutions will participate, including the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) and the National Institute of Transport (NIT),” Mr Yusuph said.
He said President Samia would officially launch the conference on September 16, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for September 18 and is expected to be officiated by the Minister responsible for Construction in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Mr Yusuph said the conference will also address issues related to drivers’ welfare and professional development.
Among the activities planned are driving licence issuance and renewal, registration with social security schemes, access to the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) and a blood donation exercise.
He said the initiatives were intended to help government drivers access essential services while promoting greater compliance with employment and professional requirements.
CMST Secretary-General Castro Nyabange said the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) had already issued permits allowing government drivers to attend the conference.
He said human resources officers and regional administrative secretaries had also been invited, reflecting the importance of involving employers and administrators in discussions on drivers’ working conditions and professional responsibilities.
Mr Nyabange said government drivers receive training before assuming their duties, including guidance on discipline, professional conduct and the need to safeguard confidential government information.
“Drivers are trained before they begin their duties, including taking an oath to protect government secrets and ensure confidential information does not leak,” he said.
Meanwhile, CMST Dar es Salaam Regional Chairman Adam Lamerck urged government institutions in the region to participate in the conference and use the opportunity to improve the professionalism of their drivers.
He said adherence to professional ethics and workplace regulations was critical because drivers play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of government institutions.
Mr Lamerck said some drivers risk undermining the reputation of the profession by failing to observe established standards, calling for greater discipline and commitment to professional conduct.
The conference is therefore expected to provide a platform for government drivers and their employers to address challenges facing the profession while promoting better skills, accountability and quality public service delivery.