Academics, analysts recommend lean cabinet

By Felister Peter

Former President Jakaya Kikwete

 Many academics and political analysts have expressed optimism that President John Magufuli will go for a lean and ‘no-nonsense’ cabinet.

 

According to them it was a promise he made during his campaign trail.

 

After the 2010 General Election retired President Jakaya Kikwete appointed a 55 person cabinet comprising of 30 senior cabinet ministers and 25 deputy ministers.

 

As Tanzanians now await the President’s   cabinet, a cross-section of academics and analysts have recommended a lean team of hardworking, competent and committed people.

 

They urged the head of state to come up with a gender balanced lineup made up of Tanzanians with integrity and who can perform well. 

 

In an interview with ‘The Guardian’ yesterday, Dr Prosper Ngowi, a researcher and consultant in economics and business at the Mzumbe University said the President should merge some of the ministries to ensure a small and efficient cabinet. 

 

He said that appointed ministers must have a broad understanding of the country’s economic situation. He said the quality of a good leader includes the ability to inspire team spirit.   

 

According to Dr Ngowi the  East African Cooperation Ministry should be merged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Works Ministry be married  with Ministry of Infrastructure.

 

Other ministries to be merged are the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operation and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development.

He said such a move would help the government reduce expenditure.

 

“Once joined these ministries should be headed by competent officials with abilities to manage all the tasks promptly”, he noted.

 

Dr Magdalena Ngaiza of the University of Dar es Salaam said the ministers should be appointed basing on their working ability instead of academic record. 

 

“I pray and think that he will come up with a better cabinet as he promised during election campaigns” she said adding the high ranking officials should also be picked out of the National Assembly. 

 

Dr Ngaiza advised that to come up with a good team, the nomination process should involve experts. She also suggested for a performance check for the ministries before merging them.

 

The former President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) Francis Stolla said with the current trend of President Magufuli, Tanzanians should expect a small cabinet.

 

According to him, it is not necessary for every ministry to have deputy ministers and permanent secretaries. He recommended the Economic, Empowerment and Investment Ministry under the Prime Minister’s Office to be joined with the Ministry of Finance and Home Affairs ministry with the Ministry of Defence and National Service.

 

The Tanzania Association of Managers and Owners of Non-government Schools and Colleges (Tamongsco) Secretary General, Benjamin Nkonya suggested for the President to appoint a competent minister to lead the Ministry of Education.

 

He said since development of any country depends on education it is important for the ministry to be led by a minister who is a teacher by profession for him/her to be able to solve teacher’s problems.

 

Nkonya said teachers are optimistic that their welfare will be improved taking into consideration that the Prime Minister elect Kassim Majaliwa is also a teacher.

 

“As the country we need good teachers to ensure quality education …it is through teachers we get variety of specialists” said Nkonya calling on the expected minister to reinforce the performance of Tanzania Education Fund.