The Ministry of Energy and Minerals is the Afghanistan of Tanzania politics. A dangerous and desperate hinterland where Ministers and Civil Servants are sent to valiantly die in an important war that seemingly cannot be won. And so when at the end of 2009, David Jairo was handed the chalice that had poisoned his [...]
On the Media and Zitto Kabwe’s Budget
June 24, 2011
This is the most important budget season in half a decade. For the Kikwete administration, despite winning re-election with 61% of the vote, the campaign was, nevertheless, a bruising experience. Post-election, Mr. Kikwete, in the words of one commentator, has looked tired and unfocused. The budget debate offered an opportunity for him to pivot away from his political [...]
The Weight of Words (Updated)
February 10, 2010
In the last five years, the government has embraced the media’s increased involvement and oversight in its affairs with varying levels of enthusiasm. State House has been particularly media savvy, even if other government organs don’t seem to make much use of their Communications Officers (they do exist). Several public institutions have websites, some of [...]