Kikwete tells government bodies to promote productivity

Kibaha. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, has urged heads of public institutions to foster work environments that promote productivity, innovation and staff engagement, as part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery and institutional performance.

Mr Kikwete made the call during the closing of a four-day induction training for chief executives of public institutions, government agencies and state-owned enterprises, held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha.

The training concluded on July 30, 2025. In his address, the minister underscored the importance of adopting modern leadership practices, calling for a shift away from rigid and authoritarian management styles towards more inclusive and empowering approaches.

“If we want to achieve meaningful results, we must move beyond authoritarian leadership and build environments that inspire staff to be innovative, committed, and results-driven,” Mr Kikwete said.

He was quick to point out, however, that cultivating a positive work environment should not be equated with lowering performance standards.

“A supportive workplace is not one where underperformance is tolerated. Rather, it is about maintaining high levels of accountability while leading with integrity, fairness, and a clear vision,” he added.

Mr Kikwete further challenged public institution leaders to uphold the highest standards of public service ethics and ensure that all employees feel empowered to contribute ideas that advance institutional performance and align with national goals.

He noted that recent public sector reforms had already begun to yield tangible results, highlighting increased investment and revenue performance as indicators of progress.

“Total public investment in state institutions has reached Sh86.29 trillion, while non-tax revenue collections from agencies and corporations have hit a record Sh1.028 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year. That figure is a major milestone. It reflects our intention for public investments to yield long-term benefits for the nation,” he said.

Echoing the sentiments, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, called upon leaders to operate within established legal and policy frameworks in order to safeguard public resources and ensure institutional efficiency.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building capable, transparent and accountable institutions in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s development vision.

Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu urged public institution leaders to embrace innovation and foster inter-agency collaboration but also long-term global relevance,” he said.