Priscus Kiwango describes the challenges, successes and lessons learned from computerizing human resource management systems for the government of Tanzania. He argues that it is essential to directly involve all the stakeholders, including ministries and other government agencies, in deciding what information is essential. He says that the main challenge is to manage the vendor who designs and installs the software and to ensure that the vendor is held to clear milestones and standards of performance. He stresses that vendors should provide on-site technical support and train government personnel to operate and maintain the system. He describes the steps taken to computerize payrolls in Tanzania and then to computerize human resource management to meet the needs of ministries. He then outlines the longer-term goals for e-government and government management information systems in Tanzania.
Case Study: Creating an Affordable Public Service: Tanzania, 1995-1998
Full Interview
At the time of this interview, Priscus Kiwango was acting director of management information systems in the Office of the President of Tanzania. He earned a master's degree from Lancaster University’s Management School. Prior to joining the government, he worked in the private sector.