The Public Service Act
This section gives the Act’s short title: Public Service Act.
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About this statute
This section gives the Act’s short title: Public Service Act. This section is omitted and contains no operative rule in the provided text. This section defines terms used in the Act. The Chief Secretary is appointed by the President and must lead the Service, keep it effective and corruption-free, improve accountability, handle confirmation and discipline matters for presidential appointees, and act as the highest authority on labour mobility in the Service. The President appoints certain senior public service officers, including chief executive officers for listed offices and other public servants allowed by law.
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Provisions of The Public Service Act
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- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title
This section gives the Act’s short title: Public Service Act.
1. This Act may be cited as the Public Service Act. Omitted - 2 Verify source ↗
Omitted
This section is omitted and contains no operative rule in the provided text.
2. [Omitted.] Interpretation Acts Nos. 19 of 2004 sch. 3 of 2009 s. 22 13 of 2016 s. 22 - 3 Verify source ↗
Interpretation
This section defines terms used in the Act.
3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- “appointing authority” means any person or authority exercising powers of making appointment to any public service office; “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Commission and includes a person acting in that office; “Chief Secretary” means the public servant referred to in section 4 appointed to hold that office; “Commission” means the Public Service Commission established by section 11 and includes any department or division of the Commission; 305 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Cap. 2 “Constitution” means the Constitution of the United Caps. 287 and 288 Republic of Tanzania; “Council” has the meaning ascribed to it by the Local Government (District Authorities) Act or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act; “disciplinary authority” means any person or authority vested with powers under the Constitution, this Act or any other law to take disciplinary action against any public servant appointed by or subordinate to him; “employer” means a person or organisation, in public service, with whom a public servant entered into a contract of service and who is responsible for the payment of salaries of such a public servant; Cap. 2 “judicial office” means an office to which Article 113 of the Constitution applies; “judicial officer” means any person who holds or acts in a judicial office; “local government authority” has the meaning ascribed to it by the Local Government (District Authorities) Act or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act; “member” in relation to the Commission means a member of the Commission and includes the Chairman and, in relation to a committee, a member of the committee, and includes the Chairman of the committee; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for public service; “officer grade” means the lowest entry grade in the Public Service of a holder of a degree of a recognised University or equivalent qualification; “operational service” means the cadre of supporting staff not employed in the executive or officer grades; “parliamentary office” means an office constituted under the Parliamentary Services Commission Act; “parliamentary officer” has the meaning ascribed to it by the Parliamentary Services Commission Act; Caps. 287 and 288 Cap. 115 Cap. 115 306 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] “Permanent Secretary” means the officer appointed as Permanent Secretary under section 5 and includes the Clerk of the National Assembly; “public servant” means a person holding or acting in a public service office; “public service office” means- (a) a paid public office in the United Republic charged with the formulation of Government policy and delivery of public services other than- (i) a parliamentary office; (ii) an office of a member of a council, board, panel, committee or other similar body whether or not corporate, established by or under any written law; (iii) an office the emoluments of which are payable at an hourly rate, daily rate or term contract; (iv) an office of a judge or other judicial office; and (v) an office in the police force or prisons service; (b) any office declared by or under any other written law to be a public service office; “Recruitment Secretariat” means the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat established under section 32; and “the Service” means the public service of the United Republic. PART II ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE Chief Secretary Act No. 13 of 2019 s. 69
Part
PART II
- 4 Verify source ↗
Chief Secretary
The Chief Secretary is appointed by the President and must lead the Service, keep it effective and corruption-free, improve accountability, handle confirmation and discipline matters for presidential appointees, and act as the highest authority on labour mobility in the Service.
4.–(1) There shall be the Chief Secretary appointed by the President who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Service. (2) The Chief Secretary shall be the head of the public service and the Secretary to the Cabinet. (3) The Chief Secretary shall, as head of the Service, provide leadership, direction and image to the Service and shall- (a) ensure that public servants in the Service are trained, motivated, efficient and effectively performing, and the Service is free of corruption and other unethical tendencies; 307 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Other executives in Service Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 2 3 of 2009 s. 23 (b) improve public accountability by promoting focus on result, service quality and customer satisfaction in public service performance; (c) be responsible for confirmation of public servants appointed by the President; (d) be a disciplinary authority in respect of public servants appointed by the President; and (e) notwithstanding any other written law to the contrary, be the highest authority in matters relating to labour mobility in the Service. (4) In addition to functions specified by the provisions of subsection (3), the Chief Secretary shall be the highest ranking disciplinary authority in the Service and may, in that capacity, in relation to any servant exercise all or any of the powers delegated to a disciplinary authority. - 5 Verify source ↗
Other executives in Service
The President appoints certain senior public service officers, including chief executive officers for listed offices and other public servants allowed by law.
5.–(1) Except where the President determine otherwise, there shall be appointed by the President- region or (a) a chief executive officer in respect of each ministry, local extra-ministerial department, government authority, the Government of in the United Republic, who shall be known as the Permanent Secretary for that Ministry, the Head of that extra-ministerial department or Regional Administrative Secretary for the Region or the Director of the local government authority, as the case may be, save that- (i) in the case of the office of the National Assembly, the person appointed to be the Clerk to the National Assembly shall also be the Chief Executive Officer; and in the case of local government, the Minister responsible for local government shall be the authority in respect of appointment, promotion and discipline of local government Authorities; (ii) (b) Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Ambassadors; and (c) Regional and District Commissioners. 308 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Duties of executives in relation to Service Acts Nos. 25 of 2002 sch. 19 of 2004 sch. 18 of 2007 s. 3 4 of 2011 s. 69 2 of 2013 s. 10 24 of 2015 s. 20 25 of 2015 s. 24 (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Director of Local Government Authority means an Executive Director of any local government authority other than Directors of City Councils or Commissions. (3) The President may appoint such number of other public servants known by such titles as may be determined or provided for by any other written law. - 6 Verify source ↗
Duties of executives in relation to Service
Certain senior public service officials must use results-oriented management, handle specified appointment and discipline authority, and support employee career development.
6.–(1) Every Permanent Secretary, Head of extra-ministerial department, Chief Court Administrator, Regional Administrative Secretary and Local Government Authority shall- results oriented management; and (a) pursue- (i) (ii) Open Performance Review and Appraisal System; (b) be the authority in respect of the appointment, confirmation, promotion and discipline of public servants other than those appointed by the President; and (c) oversee and ensure career development of employees in their respective organisation. (2) Every Permanent Secretary shall, after consultation with the Chief Secretary, sign an annual performance contract with the respective Minister. (3) Every Permanent Secretary shall facilitate and oversee career development of cadres of employees under their respective Ministry. (4) Every head of department or division shall be the disciplinary authority in respect of employees in the operational service under his department or division. (5) The authority for appointment, confirmation, promotion and discipline of public servants in the Local Government Service other than those for whom the appointing authority is the President or the Minister, as the case may be, shall be the local government authority concerned. 309 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Promotion and filling of vacant posts Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 3 (6) The authority for appointment, confirmation, promotion and discipline of non-judicial officers employed in the Judicial Service shall be Commission. - 7 Verify source ↗
Promotion and filling of vacant posts
Vacant posts in the Service must be filled by suitable public servants first, with outside candidates considered if none are available, and entry-level vacancies must be advertised and interviews held unless the Chief Secretary directs otherwise.
7.–(1) Where a vacant post occurs in the Service, such post shall be filled by a suitable employee in the public service and in the absence of such employee, consideration shall be given to a suitable person outside the Service. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), for purposes of filling any vacant post in respect of entry point of any scheme of service, the post shall be advertised and interview be conducted to suitable candidate, unless the Chief Secretary directs otherwise. (3) Every promotion in the Service shall be made by considering- (a) performance and efficiency to perform and execute the duties by an employee; (b) career development and succession plan; (c) seniority amongst the employees; and (d) the scheme of service. [s. 6A] Public Service Scheme Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 4 4 of 2011 s. 69 - 8 Verify source ↗
Public Service Scheme
The Minister must formulate a Public Service Scheme, and service schemes must be formulated by the Minister responsible for each service in consultation with the Minister.
8.–(1) The Minister shall formulate a Public Service Scheme which shall govern all service schemes. (2) For the purpose of this section, service schemes shall be formulated by the Minister responsible for each service in consultation with the Minister. (3) For the purpose of this section, “Service Schemes” include- (a) Public Service Scheme; (b) Civil Service Scheme; (c) Local Government Service Scheme; (d) Teachers Service Scheme; (e) Health Service Scheme; and (f) Judicial Service Scheme. [s. 7] 310 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Administration and terms of service Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 5 2 of 2010 s. 38 24 of 2015 s. 21 13 of 2016 s. 23 - 9 Verify source ↗
Administration and terms of service
The Chief Secretary controls administration of the Service, while the Permanent Secretary (Establishment) assists and may carry out listed personnel and transfer functions. Public servants must accept duties wherever they are posted.
9.–(1) Subject to any written law and to the instructions of the President, the administration of the Service and the ordering of the terms and conditions of service of public servants is hereby vested in the Chief Secretary. (2) Subject to any general or specific directions of the Chief Secretary, the Permanent Secretary (Establishment) shall be the principal assistant to the Chief Secretary in relation to the administration of the Service and shall, in addition to the functions under section 6(2), be vested with, have the duty, and exercise the power, to- (a) after consultation with the Minister, notify the Chief Secretary of vacancies in public service offices in respect of which the President is the appointing authority; (b) formulate, promulgate, monitor, evaluate, review and interpret administrative and personnel policies; (c) prescribe the code of conduct for public servants; (d) constitute and abolish public service offices, except the office of Permanent Secretary; and (e) co-ordinate recruitment and appointments of persons from outside the United Republic. (3) Except where the Chief Secretary directs otherwise, the Permanent Secretary (Establishment) shall- (a) conduct investigations and studies concerning development and improvement of the efficiency of public servants and shall take appropriate steps to ensure the attainment of public service efficiency; (b) carry out a review of annual personal emoluments to ensure that personal emoluments expenditure conforms to budget ceiling; (c) co-ordinate and ensure proper upkeep of personnel information for all public servants; (d) rationalise and harmonise salaries, allowances and fringe benefits in the Service; (e) be a change agent in relation to the image, mission, ethics, conduct and role of the Service; 311 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (f) carry out job evaluation and regrading and determine remunerations of public servants; (g) facilitate and approve schemes of service in the Service; (h) be the authority in respect of transfer of employees in (i) the Service; and issue various circulars in respect of any matter under this Act. (4) [Omitted.] (5) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, every public servant shall be required to accept and assume duties at any place where he has been posted by the employer. (6) The Permanent Secretary (Establishment) may delegate to executive officers specified under section 6(1) powers to transfer employees in the Service stipulated under paragraph (h) of subsection (3). [s. 8] - 10 Verify source ↗
Approval of salary and incentives
The Permanent Secretary, President’s Office (Establishment) must approve salaries, allowances, incentives, and fringe benefits in Government and public institutions.
10.–(1) Notwithstanding the provision of any other written law to the contrary, salaries, allowances, incentives and fringe benefits in the Government and public institutions shall be approved by the Permanent Secretary, President’s Office (Establishment). (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to- (a) the National Assembly; (b) the Judiciary; (c) the Tanzania People’s Defence Force; (d) the Police Force, Tanzania Immigration Service Department and prisons service; (e) the National Service; (f) the Fire and Rescue Service; and (g) the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service. [s. 9A] Approval of salary and incentives Act No. 13 of 2016 s. 24 312 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Establishment of Commission Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 6 PART III THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Part
PART III
- 11 Verify source ↗
Establishment of Commission
This section creates the Public Service Commission and sets rules for who appoints members, who may serve, how long they serve, how vacancies are handled, and how the Commission may run its meetings and procedure.
11.–(1) There is hereby established a Commission which shall be known as the Public Service Commission, whose membership shall be composed of a Chairman and not more than six other members who shall be appointed by the President. (2) In appointing members of the Commission, the President shall ensure that it consists of both men and women appointed only on grounds of merit. (3) The Commission shall cater for public servants in the following services- (a) the civil service; (b) the local government service; (c) the health service; (d) the teachers service; (e) the executive agencies and the public institutions service; and (f) the operational service. (4) A member of the Commission shall serve for a period of three years and may be re-appointed for another term of three years. (5) A person appointed to be member of the Commission shall be a person respected in the community in which he belongs, who is serving or has served in any profession, with experience at a senior management level in a public sector organisation and is of a proved or provable personal probity and integrity of the highest standard. (6) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as member of the Commission if he is- (a) holding a political office; (b) a member of any employing authority; (c) a Regional Commissioner or a District Commissioner. (7) For avoidance of any doubt, a person who was appointed a member of the Commission while still in the Service shall upon ceasing to be a member, be reinstated to the Service and his service be regarded as continuous save where- (a) his cessation was caused by circumstances provided under subsection (8)(b) and (c); and 313 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (b) he has been removed from office by the President under subsection (10). (8) Subject to the provisions of this section, the office of a member shall become vacant- (a) at the expiration of three years from the date of his appointment; (b) if he has been removed from office by the President under subsection (10); or (c) if circumstances arise causing the member to be disqualified from holding, or being appointed to hold the office of a member or by being removed by the President. (9) A member may, at any time, resign from office by giving notice in writing to the Chief Secretary, and the member shall cease to hold office from the date of receipt of the notice by the Chief Secretary. (10) A member may only be removed from office by the President for inability to discharge functions of a member, whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause. (11) Where the office of Chairman is vacant or if the person holding it is for any reason unable to discharge the functions of the office, then until a person is appointed and assumes the functions of the office or until the person holding the office resumes discharge of those functions, those functions may be performed by an acting Chairman who shall be appointed by the Chief Secretary from amongst the members. (12) The quorum at any meeting of the Commission shall be five members, including the Chairman. (13) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commission may regulate its own procedure. (14) Subject to its rules of procedure, the Commission may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member, but any decision of the Commission shall be by a majority of the members in office and attending. [s. 9] 314 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Functions of Commission Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 7 - 12 Verify source ↗
Functions of Commission
The Commission has broad duties to advise and assist the President, issue guidelines, monitor compliance, handle appeals, and oversee performance in the Service.
12.–(1) The functions of the Commission shall be to- (a) advise the President through the Public Service Department on the exercise of such functions conferred on the President by Article 36 of the Constitution, and sections 4(1) and 5(1) of this Act and in respect of the filling of such vacancies in the public service as the President may require; (b) assist the President in relation to such matters relating to the Service as the President may require; (c) issue guidelines and monitor compliance in the Service; (d) receive and act on appeals from the decisions of other delegates and disciplinary authorities; (e) exercise any other functions which may be conferred upon it under Part VI of this Act; (f) facilitate, monitor and evaluate performance by officials in the Service to secure results oriented management; (g) call upon all executives in the Service to account for their performance should the Commission be seized with evidence or complaints indicating mismanagement or non-performance of mission; (h) ensure that service schemes are formulated and implemented effectively; (i) take measures in relation to any executive who fails to take action concerning public servants under him in accordance with the requirements of the law for the Service; and (j) exercise such other function as may be conferred upon the Commission by or under any other written laws. (2) The Commission may require any employing authority to provide information which the Commission may need for carrying out its functions. (3) Where any employing authority fails to provide information as required by the Commission, the Commission shall report the failure to the Chief Secretary who shall take appropriate action. 315 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Oath of members (4) In performing its functions, the Commission shall observe regulations made under this Act or any other written law relating to the Service. [s. 10] - 13 Verify source ↗
Oath of members
On first appointment, the Chairman and members of the Commission must take and subscribe to an oath or make an affirmation, and the President administers it. The Secretary must also do this before the President. The Chairman may require newly appointed officers of the Commission to do the same.
13.–(1) The Chairman and members of the Commission shall, each on first appointment, take and subscribe to an oath or make affirmation, in the form set out in the First Schedule, which shall be administered by the President. (2) The Secretary of the Commission shall, on first appointment, take and subscribe to an oath or make an affirmation before the President. (3) The Chairman may require any officer of the Commission on first appointment, to take an oath or make an affirmation in the form set out in the First Schedule, which shall be administered by the Chairman. [s. 11] Remuneration of members Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 8 - 14 Verify source ↗
Remuneration of members
Members are to be paid allowances and other benefits from funds appropriated by Parliament, and the Chief Secretary determines the amount.
14. The members shall be paid such allowances and other benefits out of funds appropriated by Parliament in that behalf as may be determined by the Chief Secretary. [s. 12] Protection of members Secretary and staff of Commission Act No. 2 of 2013 s. 11 - 15 Verify source ↗
Protection of members
Members of the Commission are protected from liability for acts or omissions done bona fide in the execution of their duties, but this is subject to subsection (2).
15.–(1) An act or thing done or omitted to be done, by any member of the Commission, shall not, if done or omitted bona fide in the execution or purported execution of his duties as a member, subject any such member to any action, liability or demand of any kind, subject to subsection (2). (2) Where in any proceeding a question arises respecting the bona fide of any act done in the purported execution or pursuance of the functions of the Commission, the burden of proving that the act in question was done bona fide shall lie on the person alleging that it was so done. [s. 13] - 16 Verify source ↗
Secretary and staff of Commission
The President must appoint a public servant as Secretary of the Commission, and the Secretary must serve as chief executive and accounting officer, attend Commission meetings, and not vote there.
16.–(1) The President shall appoint a public servant to be the Secretary of the Commission. 316 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (2) The Secretary shall be the chief executive and accounting officer of the Commission and shall, subject to subsection (3), attend meetings of the Commission but shall not vote at such meetings. (3) The Secretary shall not attend the Commission’s meetings deliberating on disciplinary referrals of employees of the Commission. (4) The Commission may appoint such number of public servants to be deputies or assistants to the Secretary. (5) There shall be recruited and employed in such offices of the Commission, such number of persons as the Commission may, with the prior approval of the Permanent Secretary (Establishment), establishes. (6) The offices of the Commission shall be public service offices and their holders shall be public servants. [s. 14] - 17 Verify source ↗
Departments of Commission
The Commission has specified departments and may, with the President’s prior approval, create additional internal units.
17.–(1) There shall be the following departments of the Commission, namely: (a) the Civil Service Department; (b) the Local Government Service Department; and (c) the Health Service Department. (2) The Commission may, with the prior approval of the President, establish such other departments, divisions, subdivisions, committees or offices within its organisational structure as may be necessary for the better and more efficient carrying out of the objectives and purposes of this Act, and in so doing the Commission may establish such offices in Regions, as well as in Zanzibar in relation to Union Government servants. [s. 15] Departments of Commission Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 9 25 of 2015 s. 24 Annual report - 18 Verify source ↗
Annual report
The Commission must prepare and submit an annual report to the President each financial year, and the Minister must then lay that report before the National Assembly as soon as practicable.
18.–(1) The Commission shall, in each financial year, prepare and submit to the President an annual report dealing generally with its activities and operations during the previous year, as well as touching on its financial affairs. 317 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Communications of Commission privileged Prohibition of unauthorised disclosure of information (2) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the report is submitted to the President, lay the report before the National Assembly. [s. 16] - 19 Verify source ↗
Communications of Commission privileged
Communications involving the Commission may be privileged, so their production or disclosure in legal proceedings cannot be compelled unless the President consents in writing.
19. Every report, statement or other communication, written or oral which the Commission may, in the exercise of its functions under this Act, make to the President or to any public servant or which may have taken place between the Commission, or any member or officer of the Commission or any public servant and the Chairman or between any members or officers of the Commission in connection with the exercise of the functions of the Commission shall be privileged in that, unless the President consents in writing in that behalf, its production or disclosure in any legal proceedings may not be compelled. [s. 17] - 20 Verify source ↗
Prohibition of unauthorised disclosure of information
People covered by this section must not disclose protected information without the President’s written permission.
20.–(1) A member, officer of the Commission or any other person shall not, without the written permission of the President, publish or disclose to any unauthorised person or otherwise than in the course of duty, the contents of any document, communication or information of any kind which has come to his knowledge in the course of the performance of duties under this Act. (2) A person who knows of any information which to his knowledge has been disclosed in contravention of this section and who publishes or communicates it to any other person for purposes other than any prosecution under this Act or the exercise of official functions, commits an offence. Cap. 47 (3) The provisions of the National Security Act shall apply in relation to the offence committed under this section. [s. 18] Offence of attempt to influence Commission - 21 Verify source ↗
Offence of attempt to influence Commission
A person must not, outside the course of duty, directly or indirectly try to influence any Commission decision. Breach is an offence.
21.–(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of any other written law, every person who, otherwise than in the course of duty, directly or indirectly, personally or by any other person 318 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Rules for exercise of functions of Commission Act No. 13 of 2016 s. 25 in any manner influences or attempts to influence any decision of the Commission commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. (2) Subsection (1) shall not be construed as prohibiting any person from giving a certificate or testimonial to any applicant or candidate for any office or from supplying any information or assistance at the request of the Commission. (3) A prosecution in respect of any offence under this section shall not be instituted except with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. [s. 19] - 22 Verify source ↗
Rules for exercise of functions of Commission
The Commission may make Gazette-published rules, but only with the Minister’s consent.
22.–(1) The Commission may, subject to the consent of the Minister, make rules to be published in the Gazette, providing for- (a) the discharge by the Commission, whether of any person or body of persons, of any additional functions and duties; (b) the time, place and manner, when, in which and how the Commission shall exercise its functions and duties; (c) forms and fees in connection with applications to the Commission’s reports or communication from the Commission or any other matter required by or under this Act; and (d) any matter or thing which is required or may be prescribed for the purposes of facilitating the effective performance by the Commission of its functions. (2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the Commission may, by rules under this section, provide for the manner in which it shall proceed in any case in which the advice tendered to the President or any department of Government is not the unanimous advice of the Commission, or, of the majority of the members of whom the matter advised upon has been considered. [s. 20] 319 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Delegation of functions Cap. 2 Advice not binding President PART IV PROVISIONS RELATING TO FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESIDENT
Part
PART IV
- 23 Verify source ↗
Delegation of functions
The President may make regulations to delegate certain functions to the Commission or to a public servant, and may authorise further deputing in specified cases.
23.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the President may, by regulations- (a) delegate the exercise of any of the functions conferred upon the President by Article 36 of the Constitution, other than the power of removal referred to in section 26, to the Commission; and (b) delegate to a public servant the exercise of any such functions in relation to a public servant or a public service office. (2) The President may, by regulations, authorise the Commission or any public servant to whom the President has delegated the exercise of the functions under this section to depute to the public servants to whom the President is authorised by this section to delegate the exercise of such functions to exercise on behalf of the Commission or the public servant such of the functions, the exercise of which has been delegated to the Commission or public servant as may be specified in the regulations. (3) In any regulations made for the purpose of this section, the President shall specify the offices to which each delegation or authorisation applies. (4) A delegation or authorisation made under this section shall not preclude the President from himself exercising any function which is the subject of any delegation or authorisation. [s. 21] - 24 Verify source ↗
Advice not binding President
The Commission must give advice to the President, and the President may also seek advice from any other person.
24. For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the conferment on the Commission of the duty of giving advice to the President in respect of the exercise of any of the functions vested in the President, shall not preclude the President from seeking advice in respect of the exercise of any functions from any other person. [s. 22] 320 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Powers of dismissal - 25 Verify source ↗
Powers of dismissal
A public servant may be dismissed only if a disciplinary charge is made, the servant has an adequate chance to answer, and an inquiry is held under the applicable regulations.
25.–(1) The power to dismiss public servants shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2) The power to dismiss a public servant shall not be exercised unless- (a) a disciplinary charge is preferred against the public Powers of removal Cap. 371 servant; (b) the public servant is afforded an adequate opportunity to answer the charge; and (c) an inquiry is held into the charge in accordance with regulations made under section 41. (3) Where on the conclusion of the inquiry or consequently upon conviction on a criminal charge, the public servant is punished by dismissal, the dismissal shall take effect from the date on which that public servant was found guilty. [s. 23] - 26 Verify source ↗
Powers of removal
The President may remove a public servant from the service of the United Republic if it is in the public interest.
26.–(1) The President may remove any public servant from the service of the United Republic if the President considers it in the public interest so to do. (2)1 Except in the case of removal of a judge or other judicial officers, the procedure for the exercise of powers under subsection (1) shall be provided for in the regulations. (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be construed as restricting- (a) the compulsory retirement of any person under the provisions of the Public Service Social Security Fund Act; (b) the termination, otherwise than by dismissal, of the service of any public servant other than the substantive holder of a pensionable office, in accordance with the terms of employment, or the dismissal of any person from any office on the personal or domestic staff of the President or any person holding an office the emoluments of which are payable at an hourly or daily rate. 1 This subsection which was formerly part of subsection (1) has been rearranged and renumbered as subsection (2) for better arrangement and simplicity. 321 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Appeals Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 10 (4) A justice of appeal or a judge of the High Court may only be removed from office in exercise of power and in pursuit of the procedure set out in the Constitution; save that, where the President removes a justice of appeal or a judge from office, the judge shall be deemed to have retired from the public service from the date of such removal from office. [s. 24] - 27 Verify source ↗
Appeals
This section lets certain public servants appeal disciplinary decisions to the President or the Commission, and gives those bodies power to confirm, vary, or rescind the decision.
27.–(1) Where- (a) the Chief Secretary exercises disciplinary authority in respect of a public servant who is an appointee of the President by reducing the rank other than reversion from the rank to which the public servant has been promoted or appointed on trial, or reduces the salary or dismisses that public servant, that public servant may appeal to the President against the decision of the disciplinary authority and the President shall consider the appeal and may confirm, vary or rescind the decision of that disciplinary authority; (b) a Permanent Secretary, Head of an Independent Department, Regional Administrative Secretary or a local government authority exercises disciplinary authority as stipulated under section 6 by reducing the rank of a public servant other than reversion from a rank to which the public servant had been promoted or appointed on trial, or reduces the salary or dismisses the public servant, that public servant may appeal to the Commission against the decision of the disciplinary authority and the Commission may confirm, vary or rescind the decision of that disciplinary authority; (c) a public servant or the disciplinary authority is aggrieved with the decision in (a) and (b) that public servant or disciplinary authority shall appeal to the President, whose decision shall be final; or 322 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (d) the President or the Commission varies or rescinds any decision of dismissing any public servant from the public service and substitutes any other decision of dismissing that public servant, the variation or rescission shall have effect from the date of the original decision and the public servant shall unless sooner having ceased to be a public servant for any other cause, be deemed to have remained a public servant notwithstanding the original decision. (2) The President may, in regulations made under section 23, provide for appeals in cases other than those provided for in section 25. [s. 25] PART V PROVISIONS RELATING TO RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Part
PART V
- 28 Verify source ↗
Age of retirement of public servant
Public servants may retire at different ages depending on whether retirement is voluntary or compulsory; some university and hospital specialists have later ages, and certain spousal office-holders must retire immediately.
28.–(1) A public servant may retire from the Service- (a) in the case of voluntary retirement, upon attaining the age of fifty five years; and (b) in the case of compulsory retirement, upon attaining the age of sixty years. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a professor or a senior lecturer of a public university or a medical specialist of a public hospital may retire from the Service- (a) in the case of voluntary retirement, upon attaining the age of sixty years; and (b) in the case of compulsory retirement, upon attaining the age of sixty five years. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a spouse of the President elect, Vice President elect or the appointed Prime Minister holding office in the Service shall retire immediately from the Service from the date the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister has been sworn in Office. 323 Age of retirement of public servant Acts Nos. 1 of 2018 s. 13 12 of 2023 s. 53 GN. No. 95 of 2018 Ord 2 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (4) For the purposes of this section, the term- “professor” includes an associate professor; “medical specialist” includes any specialist above the medical doctor; and “public university” has the meaning ascribed to it under the Cap. 346 Universities Act. [s. 25A] Matters relating to retirement benefits Acts Nos. 2 of 2018 s. 115 13 of 2019 s. 70 12 of 2023 s. 54 Cap. 371 Exemption from application of certain conditions Acts Nos. 2 of 2018 s. 116 13 of 2019 s. 71 Exemption from conditions Act No. 2 of 2018 s. 117 - 29 Verify source ↗
Matters relating to retirement benefits
This section says retirement benefits for public servants are governed by the Public Service Social Security Fund Act, and it sets extra benefits for certain senior offices and a monthly pension for a former Chief Secretary’s widow or widower if the former Chief Secretary dies.
29.–(1) All matters relating to retirement benefits for public servants shall be governed by the Public Service Social Security Fund Act. (2) In addition to benefits granted pursuant to the Public Service Social Security Fund Act, the Chief Secretary, the Attorney General, the Director-General of Intelligence, Clerk of the National Assembly, the Controller and Auditor- General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director-General of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau shall be granted by the appropriate authority benefits set out in the Second Schedule. (3) Where the former Chief Secretary dies, his widow or widower shall be granted by an appropriate authority a pension granted monthly of a sum equal to forty percent of the salary of the incumbent Chief Secretary. (4) Any benefits to which this section applies, not being benefits which are charged upon some other public fund, shall constitute a charge on the Consolidated Fund. [s. 26] - 30 Verify source ↗
Exemption from application of certain conditions
The Chief Secretary may exempt a public servant from conditions required for pension or other terminal benefits.
30. Notwithstanding any other condition to the contrary, the Chief Secretary shall have power to exempt a public servant from any condition required for grant of pension or other terminal benefits. [s. 27] - 31 Verify source ↗
Exemption from conditions
Any exemption from conditions for pension or other terminal benefits for a public servant must be handled under section 46 of the Public Service Social Security Fund Act.
31. Any exemption from application of any condition required for grant of pension or other terminal benefits to any public servant shall be granted in accordance with the provisions of section 46 of the Public Service Social Security Fund Act. [s. 28] 324 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Establishment and functions of Secretariat Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 11 2 of 2010 s. 39 PART VI SPECIAL PROVISIONS (a) The Public Service Recruitment Secretariat2
Part
PART VI
- 32 Verify source ↗
Establishment and functions of Secretariat
The Minister must establish the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat, and the Secretariat must support recruitment and make its own procedural rules.
32.–(1) There shall be established by the Minister a Secretariat to be known as the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat which shall be composed of- (a) a Chairman who shall be appointed by the President; and (b) such number of persons, not less than five and not more than seven, who shall be amongst retired public servants appointed by the Minister. (2) The members shall elect a Vice-Chairman from amongst their number. (3) There shall be a Secretary of the Secretariat to be appointed by the President. (4) Tenure of office for members of the Secretariat shall be three years. (5) The Secretariat shall be responsible for facilitating recruitment of employees to the Service. (6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the Secretariat shall have representative in every regional headquarter. (7) In relation to subsection (5), the functions of the Secretariat shall be to- (a) search for various professionals with special skills and prepare a database of such professionals for ease of recruitment; (b) register graduates and professionals for purposes of ease of reference and recruitment; (c) advertise vacant posts occurring in the Service; (d) engage appropriate experts for purposes of conducting interviews; 2 This subtitle was added by Act No. 2 of 2013, s. 12. 325 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Delegation of functions and powers of Secretarariat Act No. 2 of 2013 s. 13 (e) advise employers on various matters relating to recruitment; and (f) do any other act or thing which may be or directed by the Minister. (8) The Secretariat shall make rules of procedures for conduct of its business. [s. 29] - 33 Verify source ↗
Delegation of functions and powers of Secretarariat
The Secretary may delegate Secretariat functions and powers for recruitment in the Service by Gazette notice.
33.–(1) The Secretary may, by notice published in the Gazette, delegate to any chief executive officer or Council the functions and powers of the Secretariat to conduct recruitment process in the Service. (2) The functions and powers delegated to the Council under subsection (1) shall be exercisable pursuant to the regulations made under this Act. (3) For the purposes of this section- (a) “Chief Executive Officer” includes the Permanent Secretary or Executive Director of a public institution or of such other employing authority; and (b) [Ommited.] Repealed - 34 Verify source ↗
Repealed
Section 34 is repealed.
34. [Repealed by Act No. 25 of 2015, s. 24]. [s. 29A] [s. 30] (b) Executive Agencies and Public Institutions Service Public servants in executive agencies and public institutions Act No. 18 of 2007 ss. 11 and 12 - 35 Verify source ↗
Public servants in executive agencies and public institutions
Public servants in executive agencies and government institutions are governed by both the laws creating those bodies and this Act.
35.–(1) Servants in the executive agencies and Government institutions shall be governed by provisions of the laws establishing the respective executive agency or institution. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), public servants referred to under this section shall also be governed by the provisions of this Act. [s. 31] 326 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (c) Operational Service Public servants in operational service Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 11 Cap. 366 - 36 Verify source ↗
Public servants in operational service
Public servants in operational service remain governed by this Act and also by the Employment and Labour Relations Act.
36. Public servants in the operational service shall, apart from being governed by this Act, continue to be governed by the Employment and Labour Relations Act. [s. 32] Remedies under labour laws Act No. 13 of 2016 s. 26 - 37 Verify source ↗
Remedies under labour laws
A public servant must exhaust the remedies available under this Act before seeking remedies under labour laws.
37. A public servant shall, prior to seeking remedies provided for in labour laws, exhaust all remedies as provided for under this Act. [s. 32A] Legal proceedings Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 11 Cap. 2 - 38 Verify source ↗
Legal proceedings
Section 38 limits court challenges based only on noncompliance with the Act or its regulations, and it also restricts inquiries into whether the President, the Commission, or a delegate validly performed certain functions, subject to stated exceptions.
38.–(1) Proceedings shall not be brought in any court on the ground only that the provisions of this Act, other than the provisions of section 23(2) and (4), Part IV or any regulations made under this Act, have not been complied with, save that nothing in this section shall apply to any criminal proceedings for an offence against any of the provisions of this Act. (2) The question whether- (a) the President validly performed any function conferred on the President under Article 36 of the Constitution or by this Act; or (b) the Commission or other delegate has validly performed any functions the exercise of which has been delegated or deputed to the Commission or delegate, shall not be inquired into by or in any court, subject to the provisions of subsection (3). (3) Where a person is dismissed or removed from the public service, the provisions of subsection (2) shall not apply in relation to that dismissal or removal unless prior to the dismissal or removal the provisions of section 25 or 26 are complied with. (4) This section shall not apply to any criminal proceedings for an offence against any of the provisions of this Act or regulations. [s. 33] 327 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Compensation for occupational disease or death Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 s. 11 13 of 2016 s. 27 Cap. 263 - 39 Verify source ↗
Compensation for occupational disease or death
A public servant who gets an occupational disease or dies while working must be compensated under the Workers Compensation Act.
39.–(1) A public servant who suffers occupational disease or dies in the course of employment shall be compensated in accordance with the Workers Compensation Act. (2) For purposes of this section, “occupational disease” shall have the meaning ascribed to it under the Workers Compensation Act. [s. 34] Overriding effect Act No. 24 of 2015 s. 22 - 40 Verify source ↗
Overriding effect
If this Act conflicts with another law covering executive agencies, public institutions, or other public service offices, this Act prevails.
40. Where there is an inconsistency between the provisions of this Act and any other law governing executive agencies, public institutions or such other public service offices, the provisions of this Act shall prevail. [s. 34A] Regulations Acts Nos. 18 of 2007 ss. 11 and 13 13 of 2016 s. 28 - 41 Verify source ↗
Regulations
The Minister must make regulations about public service administration, discipline, disciplinary proceedings, and service terms.
41.–(1) The Minister shall make regulations providing for the administration of the Service, discipline, regulating the conduct of disciplinary proceedings and ordering of terms and conditions of services of public servants. (2) The Minister may, in the exercise of powers under subsection (1), make regulations- Cap. 2 (a) providing for any matter which by this Act, may be provided for by regulations; (b) providing for the regulation of ethics and code of conduct of public servants; (c) regulating the performance of the functions conferred upon the President by Article 36 of the Constitution and by this Act, and the exercise of those functions by any delegate; (d) providing for the administration of the public service, and the discipline and ordering of the terms and conditions of service of public servants; and (e) prescribing manners and conditions of labour mobility within the Service. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provisions, regulations made under this Act may- (a) prescribe disciplinary penalties and awards; 328 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] (b) impose duties on delegates and public servants; (c) require persons to attend before the Commission to answer questions relating to the exercise of its functions; (d) prescribe for professional qualification; (e) describe maintenance of professional standards, professional conduct and professional discipline; (f) prescribe, in relation to any profession of public servants- (i) the qualifications or conditions in relation to membership and service terms appropriate to such membership; (ii) the registration, suspension and dismissal of members; and (iii) the establishment, management and control of any provident fund, superannuation fund or pension scheme; and (g) prescribe the duties of employers in relation to service posts, the persons whom they may appoint thereto and conditions under which such appointments may be made and terms and conditions of services of persons appointed thereto. (4) All regulations and rules made in pursuance of the provisions of this Act shall be published in the Gazette. (5) This section shall not detract from any power to issue or make administrative or instructive instructions or orders in relation to persons in the public service. [s. 35] Minister may issue guidelines and codes of good practice, etc. Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 14 - 42 Verify source ↗
Minister may issue guidelines and codes of good practice, etc
The Minister may issue guidelines and codes of good practice. They must be published in the Gazette, and people applying the Act must follow them and explain any departure.
42.–(1) The Minister may, for the purpose of providing guidance to public servants, issue guidelines and codes of good practice. (2) Guidelines and codes of good practice made under subsection (1) shall be published in the Gazette. (3) A person interpreting or applying this Act shall be required to observe and take into account guidelines and codes of good practice and a public servant departing away 329 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] Repeal of various Acts Acts Nos. 10 of 1982 3 of 1985 1 of 1989 16 of 1989 Savings and transitional provisions Act No. 18 of 2007 s. 11 from the guidelines or codes of good practice shall be required to provide the grounds as to why the departure was necessary. [s. 35A] - 43 Verify source ↗
Repeal of various Acts
This section repeals four listed Acts.
43. [Repeals the Civil Service Act, the Fire and Rescue Services Act, the Local Government Service Act and the Teachers’ Service Commission Act.] [s. 36] - 44 Verify source ↗
Savings and transitional provisions
Some repealed-Act rules and commission functions continue to operate, and the Minister may make transitional provisions for up to 36 months after commencement.
44.–(1) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Acts specified in section 43- (a) subsidiary legislation made under the Acts repealed by this Act shall continue in force until revoked or replaced by appropriate authority; (b) each Commission under the repealed Acts shall continue to exercise the functions conferred upon it by the repealed Act; and (c) in carrying out functions under paragraph (b), each Commission shall be deemed to be under the Public Service Commission. (2) For the purposes of the smooth operation of the provisions of subsection (1) and of other provisions of this Act as well as facilitating the Commission to take over and fully discharge its functions, the Minister may, within a period not exceeding thirty six months from the commencement of this Act, make such consequential, transitional or supplementary provisions as may be necessary. [s. 37] FIRST SCHEDULE (Made under section 13(1)) OATH OF CHAIRMAN / MEMBER I ……………………………………… having been appointed as Chairman/member of the Public Service Commission, do hereby swear/affirm that I will discharge the functions of a Chairman/member, and that I will not directly or indirectly reveal any matters related to 330 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT [CAP. 298 R.E. 2023] such functions to any unauthorised person or otherwise than in the course of duty. SO HELP ME GOD Sworn/Declared before me this ……… day of ……......……………, 20…… …………………………….. President SECOND SCHEDULE3 (Made under section 29(2)) Public servants specified under section 29 shall be granted the following benefits: (a) a diplomatic passport for him and his spouse; (b) one motor vehicle given once, of a value not exceeding such amount as the President may from time to time determine; (c) total sum of money granted once as a lump sum which shall be sufficient to remunerate one driver for a period of four years; (d) total sum of money sufficient to purchase fifty litres of fuel per week granted once as a lump sum which shall cover a period of four years; (e) total sum of money being maintenance allowance for a motor vehicle to be granted once as a lump sum at a rate equal to forty percent of fuel allowance; and (f) use of VIP lounge. 3 This Second Schedule was added by Act No. 2 of 2018, s. 118(b). 331 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
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