Tanzanians could soon have a clearer way of assessing how well public and private institutions uphold good governance principles under a new framework being developed by the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (THBUB).
The proposed framework will provide a standard tool for assessing whether institutions are transparent, accountable, fair and responsive to citizens, while also examining how they use resources and perform their responsibilities.
THBUB says the tool will help identify governance gaps early, allowing institutions to address weaknesses and improve service delivery before they develop into problems that affect the public.
The commission is currently reviewing a draft of the framework, whose preparation began in 2023 after the need was identified for a systematic way of measuring adherence to good governance principles in Tanzania.
Speaking during a working session to review the draft in Dodoma yesterday, THBUB acting Executive Secretary Suzan Ndeona said the framework had been developed after considering various indicators and the country's need for a practical governance assessment tool.
Ms Ndeona said the draft contains key criteria for measuring the presence and application of good governance principles within institutions.
“This is still a draft. Once completed, it will be presented to public and private institutions and other organisations involved in good governance matters to obtain their views,” she said.
The framework will assess principles including transparency, accountability, equality, the rule of law, public participation, efficiency and productivity, reconciliation, responsiveness and integrity.
Ms Ndeona said the principles were directly linked to people's daily experiences because good governance is reflected in how institutions provide services, listen to citizens, manage resources and perform their duties in accordance with the law.
This means the assessment could provide a basis for identifying areas where institutions need to improve their handling of public resources, service delivery and engagement with citizens.
The commission said the framework would not remain static, noting that it would be improved to keep pace with changes in government systems, including new mechanisms for assessing public servants such as the Public Employees Performance Management Information System (PEPMIS).
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) representative Hellen Siriwa said the bureau had worked closely with THBUB in developing the assessment tools to ensure that the framework delivers practical benefits to the country.
Ms Siriwa said NBS would continue working with the commission until the framework is finalised and ready for national launch.
If adopted, the framework will also provide institutions with an opportunity to identify weaknesses at an early stage and take corrective measures, potentially strengthening accountability and improving the quality of services delivered to citizens.
THBUB said the broader goal is to promote a culture in which public and private institutions routinely assess their governance practices and take action where shortcomings are identified.