The Government is reviewing a range of grievances raised by long-distance bus drivers following a strike that disrupted passenger transport services, with authorities considering changes to licensing, vehicle tracking, training and employment conditions.
Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi said yesterday that the Government was examining the drivers’ complaints and had already made decisions on some of the issues, while others would require legal, administrative or inter-ministerial action.
He spoke on September 30, 2026, at the Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam after meeting drivers following the strike.
Mr Katambi said the grievances had also been submitted to senior Government leaders for further action.
On drivers whose licences had been suspended or revoked, he said the Government was reviewing the cases individually and would consider relief for those whose offences had not resulted in serious harm.
However, he said the Government would not intervene in cases involving gross negligence, drunk driving or accidents that resulted in deaths.
“The cases are being reviewed individually, and those who qualify will be given relief,” Mr Katambi said.
He said the National Road Safety Council was conducting the review and that decisions on drivers who qualify for relief would be announced within days, allowing them to return to work and contribute to the economy.
Mr Katambi said the Government had also received complaints and evidence pointing to challenges with the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), including discrepancies between traffic-camera records and VTS readings.
He said the Ministries responsible for Home Affairs, Transport, Works and Labour would meet to examine the system and develop a more effective mechanism for monitoring vehicles and enforcing traffic regulations.
The Government also plans to introduce modern camera technology to monitor vehicle speeds, which Mr Katambi likened to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system used in football.
He said the technology would provide direct evidence of traffic violations and help prevent drivers from being penalised unfairly.
Mr Katambi also directed police officers not to hide along roads to catch drivers.
He said vehicles suspected of violating traffic laws should instead be identified and tracked through available systems, with relevant road-safety authorities supervising implementation.
The Minister said the Government would also review arrangements for upgrading drivers’ skills without keeping them away from work for unnecessarily long periods.
He said training programmes involving the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), the Police Force and other institutions would be reviewed to ensure drivers meet required road-safety standards.
The Government would also require employers to provide drivers with employment contracts spelling out their basic rights, including employment benefits and social security contributions, he said.
Mr Katambi said issues relating to fines and other procedures administered by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) would also be discussed during a joint Government meeting.
The strike had disrupted long-distance bus services, leaving some passengers stranded at terminals and along major routes.
Tanzania Drivers’ Union (WAMATA) chairman Mnajwa Kafumu apologised to affected passengers and urged drivers to resume work professionally, comply with road-safety regulations and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
The chairman of the Tanzania Drivers’ Professional Advocacy Organisation, Yohana Mwenyegera, urged drivers to use dialogue with the Government to address their concerns instead of resorting to strikes.
Before visiting the bus terminal, Mr Katambi met some drivers and their leaders. They later proceeded together to meet the Prime Minister, where an agreement was reached to end the dispute.