Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare, working conditions, and professional capacity of Police officers, stressing that decent housing, better remuneration and modern skills are critical to building an effective and professional police force.
Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, made the statement earlier today, January 6, 2026, when addressing officers, inspectors, and rank-and-file police personnel from the Zanzibar Police Headquarters and three regions of Unguja, saying that while the government continues to strengthen the capacity of police officers through training and provision of equipment, improving their living conditions remains a top priority.
“Besides building the capacity of our officers and equipping them with modern tools, we must ensure they live in decent environments.
Housing is very important at this time because many officers live in civilian areas, which sometimes compromises their work,” the minister said.
Elaborating, the minister said that the government is determined to better their lives as the construction of police housing blocks has already begun in several regions, including Dodoma, with plans to extend the initiative to Zanzibar in collaboration with both governments.
“It is pleasing to see an officer resting in a good house with proper facilities and then reporting to a well-equipped station, that officer will work efficiently, professionally and without frustration,” he said.
Moreover, Minister Simbachawene said that their aim is not just to equip police officers with equipment and training but to ensure that their lives match the realities of modern times, to reflect the current cost of living.
“These officers have families and parents. We want what they earn monthly to reflect the reality of today’s life,” he said.
Moreover, he said that discussions are ongoing with the Police Force leadership, including Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura, and within government to review allowances, including increasing their ration allowance.
According to the minister, the emerging forms of crimes calls for a modern police force that will be able to address those crimes.
“Modern criminals are increasingly sophisticated, with some operating online and others appearing unsuspecting. Today’s crime is no longer limited to physical attacks. Some crimes are committed online, and criminals can be very smart; you may not even believe they are criminals if told,” he said.
He added, “These changes underscore the need for comprehensive police reforms, particularly in strengthening officers’ capacity to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.”
