District Computerization Kinondoni - Tanzania

The lack of free flow of information makes it difficult for local governments to take the right decisions., The Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) supports the Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, to improve its governance through the use of ICT. The pilot project addresses three areas for computerization: education; health; and birth, marriage and death registration. First the district staff was trained and equipped with computers and a local network. Secondly the efficiency and effectiveness of capturing and processing information was improved. A third step was to use this information for improved decision-making.

The project is an outcome of the National ICT Roundtable workshop held in Dar es Salaam in July 1998. The drive for decentralization gives the project a sense of urgency. Studies revealed that most of the functions carried out by the district commissioner's office are ineffective and inefficient. Weaknesses include limited transparency due to a lack of information. No free flow and access to information means that those concerned can neither make the right decisions nor monitor relevant developments. This cripples and impairs strategic vision. Also resource utilisation tumbles to a low efficiency.

Read more about IICD’s Tanzania Country Programme.

After the start of the project in December 1999, it took time to integrate ICT in the municipality. COSTECH, the project owner, organised a workshop to involve all stakeholders in Kinondoni and to share their information needs and to explore possibilities of ICT. This empowered employees of the District to work with ICT. All this was realised in a participatory way.  Consultants drew up a master plan and the municipality has been providing means from its modest budget for a gradual expansion.

As the district comprises 27 wards, additional assistance is required also for the development of applications and services for the public. Much emphasis is presently on a GIS (Geographic Information System) application for land title data (at present 70.000 records).Through satellite pictures of land plots, this tool enables the calculation and collection of property tax.

Kinondoni Municipal Council is much solicited by other authorities (national and international) to share their experiences. IICD supported KMC in June 2009 with a training for staff in maintenace and trouble shooting. This should reinforce the help desk function. In 2009, the ICT master plan will be updated.

The goal of the project is to bring about good governance in the Kinondoni District by harnessing information for decision-making through the use of ICT. The project is considered a small pilot, paving the way to set-up of a district-wide model. Key elements are:

• Improved data- and workflows with emphasis on needs at operational levels
• Enhanced storage and accessibility of data
• Improved data analysis and decision-making at district level based on data from relevant sectors (education, health, land)

An important aspect of the project is to sensitise (local) government on the possibilities of ICT to improve its functioning.

Improved decision-making results in a better use of resources, increased output of staff and increased dedication. The project serves as a model for successful ICT applications developed in a bottom-up process. On the longer term, it will prove essential to making decentralization viable in a large country like Tanzania. The increased transparency and accountability will enhance democratic processes.

 Read more about IICD’s approach towards governance.

A study on lessons learned is under preparation.

The project was owned by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). This is a parastatal organisation with the responsibility of coordinating and promoting research and technology development activities in the country.  It is the chief advisor to the government on all matters pertaining to science and technology and their application to the socio-economic development of the country. The project is now fully integrated in Kinondoni Municipal Council.