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Tanzania Act or statute

Parliament of Tanzania

The Regional Administration Act

This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act. This section says the Act applies to the exercise of the executive functions of Government in every area of Mainland Tanzania. This sectio…

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Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Structure
25 provisions
Citation
The Regional Administration Act
Dates
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01

Purpose and legislative effect

“This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act.”

This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act. This section says the Act applies to the exercise of the executive functions of Government in every area of Mainland Tanzania. This section defines key terms used in the Act. The section says there is a Regional Commissioner for each region, appointed by the President, and provides who acts when the office is vacant or the Commissioner cannot act. The Regional Commissioner is the Government’s main representative in the region and must help maintain law and order and support local government authorities.

02

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Short title

This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act.

Section 1

Office and appointment of District Commissioner

Each district in Mainland Tanzania has a District Commissioner’s office. The President appoints the District Commissioner, and the Regional Commissioner may direct the District Commissioner’s exercise of functions. If the office is vaca…

Section 13

Divisional Secretary

A Divisional Secretary must be appointed for each division, perform assigned statutory functions, and is accountable to specified district officials for certain subject areas.

Section 19

Repeals and savings

This section repeals three named Acts and says specified interpretation rules apply to that repeal.

Section 25

04

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Showing 25 of 25 provisions

Provision 14Commencement 4Interpretation 2Offence 2
§ 1Short titleShort title

This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act.

1. This Act may be cited as the Regional Administration Act. Application
Section 1Verify source
§ 2ApplicationInterpretation

This section says the Act applies to the exercise of the executive functions of Government in every area of Mainland Tanzania.

2. This Act shall apply in respect of the exercise of the executive functions of Government in every area of Mainland Tanzania. Interpretation Act No. 6 of 1999 s. 92 Cap. 287 Cap. 288
Section 2Verify source
§ 3InterpretationCommencement

This section defines key terms used in the Act.

3.–(1) Except as is provided in subsection (2), all words and expressions used in this Act in relation to the local government system shall have the same meaning as is ascribed to them in the Act. (2) In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise- “the Act” means the Local Government (District Authorities) Act, or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, as the case may be; “this Act” includes any subsidiary legislation made and in force under this Act; “appropriate authority” when used in relation to any act, appointment, dismissal, licence, permit, matter or other thing, means the person, committee or other body of persons permitted, required or in any other way, made responsible by this Act for doing the act, making the 163 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] appointment or issuing the dismissal, licence or permit or doing that other matter or thing; “area” when used in relation to any local government authority, means the area in which the local government authority is established, empowered by or under the Act or this Act to exercise jurisdiction in accordance with the Act in question; “Chief Executive Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer of a local government authority appointed pursuant to provisions of the Local Government Service Act, and when used in relation to- (a) any district authority, a District Executive Director or a Township Executive Director; (b) any urban authority, a City Director, Municipal Director or a Town Director; Cap. 291 Cap. 2 “Constitution” means the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977; “Consultative Committee” means the Regional Consultative Committee established by section 8; “district authority” means a district council, a township authority or a village council; “District Commissioner” means the public officer appointed or deemed to have been appointed under section 13 of this Act; “effective date” in relation to any area of the United Republic or to any local government authority, means the date on which the Act comes into operation in relation to that area or, on which the local government authority is established; “the former Act” means the Decentralisation of Government Administration (Interim Provisions) Act; “local government authority” means any district authority or, urban authority; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for regional administration and local government; 164 Act No. 27 of 1972 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Cap. 298 “public officer” has the meaning ascribed to it by the Public Service Act; “Regional Commissioner” means the public officer appointed or deemed to have been appointed and carrying on functions in accordance with section 4; “urban authority” means a town council, a municipal council or a city council. Office of Regional Commissioner PART II GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AT REGIONAL LEVEL
Section 3Verify source

Part

PART II

§ 4Office of Regional CommissionerCommencement

The section says there is a Regional Commissioner for each region, appointed by the President, and provides who acts when the office is vacant or the Commissioner cannot act.

4.–(1) There shall continue to be established under the Constitution in respect of each region the office of the Regional Commissioner. (2) Subject to the Constitution, a Regional Commissioner shall be a public officer and shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. (3) Where during any period the office of Regional Commissioner is vacant or a Regional Commissioner is, owing to absence or inability to act from illness or any other cause, unable to exercise the powers or perform the duties of his office, those powers shall be held and may be exercised and the duties shall be discharged by the person appointed to act in that behalf for that region for that period or, where no such appointment is made, by the Minister responsible for regional administration. (4) Notwithstanding the enactment of this Act, a Regional Commissioner appointed or holding office immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, unless his appointment is sooner terminated, continue to hold that office in accordance with the terms of the instrument of his appointment and shall, while so remaining in office, be deemed to have been appointed under this section. 165 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Functions of Regional Commissioner Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 26 Functions delegated by President
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Functions of Regional CommissionerProvision

The Regional Commissioner is the Government’s main representative in the region and must help maintain law and order and support local government authorities.

5.–(1) The Regional Commissioner shall be the principal representative of the Government within the area of the region for which he is appointed and for that purpose all the executive functions of Government in relation to that region shall be exercised by or through the Regional Commissioner. (2) In furtherance of the objects and provisions of subsection (1), the Regional Commissioner shall be responsible for securing the maintenance of law and order in the region, determining the specific direction of efforts in implementing the general policies of the Government in the region and for the exercise and discharge of such other functions and duties as are conferred or imposed upon him by or under this Act or any other written law. (3) For the purposes of this section, it shall be the duty of the Regional Commissioner to facilitate and assist local government authorities in the region to undertake and discharge their responsibilities by- (a) providing and securing the enabling environment for successful performance by them of their duties and functions; (b) ensuring compliance by all persons and authorities with appropriate government decisions, guidelines and regulations in relation to the promotion of the local government system; and (c) doing all such acts and things as shall facilitate or secure the effective, efficient and lawful execution by the local authorities of their statutory or incidental functions.
Section 5Verify source
§ 6Functions delegated by PresidentProvision

The President may delegate functions and duties to a Regional Commissioner, and may also require a Regional Commissioner to carry out tasks or functions related to the Government’s executive functions.

6.–(1) The President may, by writing under his hand and the public seal, delegate any of his functions and duties under any written law to any Regional Commissioner. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the President may at any time require any Regional Commissioner to discharge any task or exercise any function relating to the discharge of the executive functions of the Government. (3) Where any function is delegated to any Regional Commissioner pursuant to subsection (1) or where a Regional 166 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Powers of Regional Commissioner in enforcement of law and order Commissioner is required to discharge any task or exercise any function pursuant to subsection (2), the function shall be exercised and the task shall be performed as if it were a function or duty conferred or imposed upon the Regional Commissioner by this Act.
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Powers of Regional Commissioner in enforcement of law and orderOffence

The Regional Commissioner may order arrests in certain cases, but arrested persons must be taken before a magistrate within 48 hours, and the Commissioner must record and share reasons for the arrest.

7.–(1) For the purposes of the effective and better exercise of his functions and duties under this Act, a Regional Commissioner shall have power to cause to be arrested any person who in his presence commits or to his knowledge has committed, any offence for which a person may be arrested and tried. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a Regional Commissioner has reason to believe that any person is likely to commit a breach of the peace or disturb the public tranquillity, or to do any act that may probably occasion a breach of the peace or disturb the public tranquillity, and that that breach cannot be prevented in any way other than detaining that person in custody, he may order a police officer verbally or in writing to arrest that person. (3) A person arrested under the powers conferred by this section shall, as soon as is practicable, and in any case within not more than forty-eight hours after he is taken into custody, be taken before a magistrate empowered to deal with the case by the law for the time being in force in relation to the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings. (4) Where a person arrested by or pursuant to an order of a Regional Commissioner under powers conferred by this section is not brought before a magistrate within forty-eight hours after he was taken into custody, he shall, upon the expiration of that period, be restored to freedom and shall not again be arrested by or under an order of that Regional Commissioner pursuant to this section for the same cause. (5) Where a Regional Commissioner orders the arrest of any person under the powers conferred by this section he shall, at the time of ordering the arrest giving the order, record 167 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] in writing his reasons for arresting or ordering the arrest of the person concerned, and shall deliver a copy of his recorded reasons, or cause a copy to be delivered, to the magistrate at the time the person is brought before the magistrate or, if that person has been released before he is brought before the magistrate, as soon as practicable after the release. (6)1 For the purpose of subsection (5), a magistrate shall have power to order the release and restoration to freedom of any person brought before him pursuant to this section without the reasons of the arrest being therewith furnished to him in writing by or on behalf of the Regional Commissioner. (7) Notwithstanding subsection (5), the production of a copy of recorded reasons for an arrest under this section shall not authorise a magistrate to dispense with any provision requiring information to be given on oath. (8) A magistrate before whom a person is brought under this section may, in his discretion, detain that person in custody until the completion of the inquiry prescribed under section 80 of the Criminal Procedure Act without prejudice to the power of the court to grant bail. (9) A Regional Commissioner and every police officer or other person carrying out the orders of Regional Commissioner under this section shall execute the order of a magistrate given under this section regarding the release and restoration to freedom of a person arrested in accordance with this section, and failure or neglect to execute the order shall constitute an offence of contempt of court and shall be dealt with in accordance with section 114 of the Penal Code. (10) Where a Regional Commissioner exercises the powers conferred on him by this section in abuse of the authority of his office, then he, as well as any other person involved in procuring the Regional Commissioner to exercise the power in abuse of authority, commits an offence and may be proceeded against in accordance with section 96 of the Penal Code. 1 NOTE: This subsection which was formerly part of subsection (5) has been rearranged for easy of reading and understanding. 168 Cap. 20 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Regional Consultative Committee Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 27
Section 7Verify source
§ 8Regional Consultative CommitteeProvision

This section establishes a Regional Consultative Committee for each region and sets out its membership, secretary, meeting schedule, and power to co-opt members.

8.–(1) There is hereby established, in respect of every region, a Regional Consultative Committee. (2) The Regional Consultative Committee shall consist of- (a) the Regional Commissioner for the region, who shall be the Chairman; (b) the District Commissioners of all districts in the region; (c) the Chairmen of all district councils and all urban authorities in the region; (d) the Chief Executive Officers of all urban authorities, district authorities and township authorities in the region; (e) Members of Parliament representing constituencies in the region; (f) Members of Parliament whose nomination originated from political parties within the regions; and (g) Members of Parliament appointed by the President pursuant to Article 66(1)(e) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 hailing from the region. (3) The Regional Administrative Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Regional Consultative Committee. (4) The Committee shall meet twice in ordinary session in each financial year, but may at any time hold an extraordinary session. (5) The Committee may co-opt as members such number of persons as it may deem necessary for the efficient execution of any task undertaken by it. Cap. 2 Functions of Regional Consultative Committee Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 28
Section 8Verify source
§ 9Functions of Regional Consultative CommitteeProvision

The Regional Consultative Committee may consider matters and give advice on regional development, receive reports, and coordinate economic development in the region.

9. The functions of the Regional Consultative Committee shall be to- (a) consider and provide advice to local government authorities regarding their development plans; (b) provide advice to any interested party on economic and development affairs in the region; (c) consider reports and advise the Government on national development projects, programmes and activities affecting or relating to the region; 169 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Regional Secretariat Functions of Regional Secretariat Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 29 (d) consider reports and advise on the activities of parastatals and of co-operative societies and other non- governmental organisations operating in the region; (e) monitor and ensure the co-ordination of the overall economic development in the region; (f) receive and consider reports from the District Consultative Committee; and (g) discharge any other functions which the Minister may direct in respect of all or any Consultative Committee.
Section 9Verify source
§ 10Regional SecretariatProvision

Each region in Mainland Tanzania must have a Regional Secretariat as a government department, and any offices or staff within it are subject to limits and ministerial necessity.

10.–(1) There is hereby established in respect of every region in Mainland Tanzania a secretariat for that region which shall be a department of the Government. (2) There shall be established within the Regional Secretariat such number of offices as may be appropriate, but that number shall at any time be kept as small as and consist of the type of personnel whom the President shall determine. (3) A department and a staff, functional, line or other, shall not be established or appointed for or posted to a Regional Secretariat unless the establishment of that office or the appointment of that or other officer is in the opinion of the Minister necessary for the facilitation of the work of the Government generally, and in particular, facilitating the promotion, development, fostering and upholding of local government and the realisation of the goals and targets of local government authorities in relation to national development.
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Functions of Regional SecretariatInterpretation

The Regional Secretariat must carry out several functions, including monitoring sectoral trends, giving technical and administrative support, recommending improvements, identifying development opportunities, monitoring service quality, strengthening institutions, and carrying out delegated development work.

11. The functions of the Regional Secretariat shall be to- (a) monitor sectoral trends; (b) provide technical and administrative assistance to offer policy interpretation; (c) recommend new strategies and techniques for overcoming bottlenecks for productivity; (d) identify development opportunities; (e) monitor quality and standards of service delivery including training; 170 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Regional Administrative Secretary (f) enhance institutional capacity; and (g) carry out delegated development of ministries.
Section 11Verify source
§ 12Regional Administrative SecretaryProvision

Each region in Mainland Tanzania has a Regional Administrative Secretary post, and the President appoints the holder.

12.–(1) There is hereby established in each region in Mainland Tanzania the post of Regional Administrative Secretary, in this Act referred to as “the Secretary”, and the holder of which shall be appointed by the President. (2) Notwithstanding the enactment of this Act, a person appointed as Regional Development Director shall, with effect from the effective date and until his appointment is revoked, hold office as the Secretary for his region in accordance with the terms of the instrument of his appointment, subject to this Act, and shall while so remaining in office be deemed to have been appointed under this section. (3) The Secretary shall be the head of the Regional Secretariat, and shall be the principal adviser to the Regional Commissioner in the exercise of his functions in relation to the implementation of decisions of Government and recommendations of the Consultative Committee and generally, in relation to the region and its inhabitants. PART III GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL Office and appointment of District Commissioner
Section 12Verify source

Part

PART III

§ 13Office and appointment of District CommissionerCommencement

Each district in Mainland Tanzania has a District Commissioner’s office. The President appoints the District Commissioner, and the Regional Commissioner may direct the District Commissioner’s exercise of functions. If the office is vacant or the District Commissioner cannot act, an acting District Commissioner appointed by the Regional Commissioner may exercise the powers and perform the duties for that district and period.

13.–(1) There is hereby established in respect of each district in Mainland Tanzania, the office of District Commissioner. (2) Subject to the Constitution, a District Commissioner shall be a public officer and shall be appointed by the President. (3) Subject to this Act and to any other written law, the District Commissioner shall, in the exercise of his functions under this Act, be subject to the directions, guidance or instructions of the Regional Commissioner of the region in which the district for which he is appointed is situated. (4) Where, during any period the office of District Commissioner is vacant or the District Commissioner is, 171 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Functions of District Commissioner owing to absence or inability to act from illness or any other cause, unable to exercise the powers or perform the duties of his office, those powers shall be held and may be exercised and the duties shall be discharged by the District Commissioner appointed by the Regional Commissioner to act in that behalf for that district for that period. (5) Notwithstanding the enactment of this Act, a District Commissioner appointed or holding office immediately before its commencement shall, unless his appointment is sooner terminated, continue to hold that office in accordance with the terms of the instrument of his appointment and shall, while so remaining in office, be deemed to have been appointed under this section.
Section 13Verify source
§ 14Functions of District CommissionerProvision

The District Commissioner must carry out district-level government functions, maintain law and order, and help local government authorities do their work.

14.–(1) The District Commissioner shall, subject to subsection (3), be the principal representative of the Government within the area of the district for which he is appointed, and for that purpose all the executive functions of Government in relation to that district shall be exercised by or through the District Commissioner. (2) In furtherance of the objects and provisions of subsection (1), the District Commissioner shall be responsible for securing the maintenance of law and order in the district, determining the specific direction of efforts in implementing the general policies of Government in the district, and shall exercise and discharge such other functions and duties as are conferred or imposed upon him by or under this Act or any other written law. (3) For the purposes of this section, it shall be the duty of the District Commissioner to facilitate and assist local government authorities in the district to undertake and discharge their responsibilities by- (a) providing and securing the enabling environment for successful performance by local government authorities of their duties and functions; (b) ensuring compliance by all persons and authorities with appropriate Government decisions, guidelines 172 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Powers of District Commissioner in enforcement of law and order and regulations in relation to the promotion of the local government system; (c) doing all such acts and things as shall facilitate or secure the effective, efficient and lawful execution by the authorities of their statutory or incidental functions.
Section 14Verify source
§ 15Powers of District Commissioner in enforcement of law and orderOffence

This section lets a District Commissioner order arrests in specified cases, requires written reasons and prompt delivery to a magistrate, and lets magistrates order release or detention in custody.

15.–(1) For the purpose of the effective and better exercise of his functions and duties under this Act, a District Commissioner shall have power to order or cause to be arrested any person who, in his presence, commits or to his knowledge has committed any offence for which a person may be arrested and tried. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a District Commissioner has reason to believe that, any person is likely to commit a breach of the peace or disturb the public tranquility, or to do any act that may probably occasion a breach of the peace or disturb the public tranquility and that breach cannot be prevented in any way other than by detaining that person in custody, he may order a police officer verbally or in writing to arrest that person. (3) A person arrested under the powers conferred by this section shall, as soon as practicable, and in any case within not more than forty-eight hours, after he is taken into custody, be taken before a magistrate empowered to deal with the case by the law for the time being in force in relation to the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings. (4) Where a person arrested pursuant to an order of a District Commissioner under powers conferred by this section is not brought before a magistrate within forty-eight hours after he was taken into custody, he shall, upon the expiration of that period, be restored to freedom and shall not again be arrested under an order of that District Commissioner pursuant to this section for the same cause. (5) Where a District Commissioner orders the arrest of any person under the powers conferred by this section, he shall, at the time of making the arrest or as soon as possible after 173 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] giving the order, record in writing his reasons for arresting or ordering the arrest of the person concerned and shall deliver a copy of his recorded reasons, or cause a copy to be delivered, to the magistrate at the time the person is brought before the magistrate or, where that person has been released before he is brought before the magistrate as soon as is practicable after the release. (6)2 For the purpose of subsection (5) and for avoidance of doubt, a magistrate shall have power to order the release and restoration to freedom of any person brought before him pursuant to this section without the reasons of the arrest being therewith furnished to him in writing by or on behalf of the District Commissioner. (7) Notwithstanding subsection (5), the production of a copy of recorded reasons for an arrest under this section shall not authorise a magistrate to dispense with any provision requiring information to be given on oath. (8) A magistrate before whom a person is brought under this section may, in his discretion, detain that person in custody until the inquiry prescribed under the Criminal Procedure Act, without prejudice to the power of the court to grant bail. (9) A District Commissioner and a police officer or other person carrying out the order of a District Commissioner under this section shall execute the order of a magistrate given under this section respecting the release and restoration to freedom of a person arrested in accordance with this section, and failure or neglect to execute the order shall constitute an offence of contempt of court and shall be dealt with in accordance with section 114 of the Penal Code. (10) Where a District Commissioner exercises the power conferred on him by this section in abuse of the authority of his office, then he, as well as any other person involved in procuring the District Commissioner to exercise the power in NOTE: This subsection which was formerly part of subsection (5) has been 2 rearranged for simplification. 174 Cap. 20 Cap. 16 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 District Consultative Committee Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 30 Cap. 2 abuse of authority, commits an offence and may be proceeded against in accordance with section 96 of the Penal Code.
Section 15Verify source
§ 16District Consultative CommitteeProvision

This section establishes a District Consultative Committee for each district and lists who must sit on it, including the District Commissioner as chairman and the Council Director as secretary.

16.–(1) There is hereby established in respect of each district committee to be known as the District Consultative Committee. (2) The District Consultative Committee shall consist of- (a) the District Commissioner who shall be the Chairman; (b) the Chairman of the District Authority or the Urban Authority within the district; (c) the Divisional Secretaries in the district; (d) a Member of Parliament representing constituency in the district; (e) Members of Parliament whose nomination originated from political parties within the region; (f) Members of Parliament appointed by the President pursuant to Article 66(1)(e) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 hailing from the region; (g) all Heads of Division in the councils; (h) all Ward Executive Officers in the councils; (i) Chairman and Secretary of registered political parties having offices within district; and (j) such other members as may be co-opted or invited by the Chairman to the District Consultative Committee. (3) The Council Director shall be the secretary to the District Consultative Committee. [s. 15A] Functions of District Consultative Committee Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 30
Section 16Verify source
§ 17Functions of District Consultative CommitteeProvision

The District Consultative Committee must carry out listed functions, including receiving reports, advising officials, ensuring implementation of plans and decisions, promoting conduct standards, and coordinating disaster response.

17.–(1) The Committee shall be to- functions of the District Consultative (a) receive reports on development programmes reports and give advice to effective implementation of the development plans; (b) consider reports and advise Regional Commissioner on National Development Project; 175 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] District Administrative Secretary Cap. 298 (c) consider reports and advise on the activities of parastatals, cooperative societies and other non- governmental organisation operating in the district; (d) ensure that, local government authorities execute and implement their development activities as mandated in the development plans; (e) ensure effective implementation of the council decisions; (f) ensure adherence to code of conduct for political parties in maintenance of peace and tranquility within the district; (g) manage natural disasters and coordinate disaster relief within the district; (2) For the purpose of subsection (1)(g), natural disaster includes occurrences such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, drought, fire, famine or epidemics. [s. 15B]
Section 17Verify source
§ 18District Administrative SecretaryProvision

A District Administrative Secretary must be appointed for each district and act as the District Commissioner’s principal adviser; district government activities are to be carried out by the District Commissioner with assistance from that secretary and other staff.

18.–(1) There shall be appointed for or posted to every district in Mainland Tanzania in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act, a public officer designated as District Administrative Secretary. (2) For the avoidance of doubt, the District Administrative Secretary shall be the principal adviser to the District Commissioner in the exercise of his functions in relation to the implementation of decisions of Government and of local government authorities and, generally, in relation to the district and its inhabitants. (3) Save as is provided for by this Part, there shall not be established any other department of the Government at the district level, and all activities of the Government at that level shall be conducted by the District Commissioner with the assistance of the District Administrative Secretary and other officers and staff of his office. [s. 16] 176 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Divisional Secretary Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 31 Cap. 298 PART IV GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AT DIVISIONAL LEVEL
Section 18Verify source

Part

PART IV

§ 19Divisional SecretaryCommencement

A Divisional Secretary must be appointed for each division, perform assigned statutory functions, and is accountable to specified district officials for certain subject areas.

19.–(1) There shall be appointed by the appointing authority under the Public Service Act, for each division established under the Act, a public officer designated as a Divisional Secretary. (2) The Divisional Secretary shall perform such functions as are or may be conferred on him by or under this Act, the Act or any other written law. (3) A Divisional Secretary shall, in performing his duties and functions, be responsible and accountable to- (a) in the case of functions and duties relating to the defence and security matters, the District Administrative Secretary; and (b) in relation to functions and duties relating to divisional development, the District Executive Director. (4) For the purpose of this section, the functions and duties of the Divisional Secretary means the functions and duties specified under this Act or the Act. (5) Upon the commencement of this Act, a Divisional Secretary appointed or holding office immediately before the commencement shall, unless his appointment is sooner terminated, continue to hold that office in relation to the division with respect to which he was appointed and shall, while so holding office, be deemed to have been appointed under this Act. [s. 17] Functions of Divisional Secretary Act No. 13 of 2006 s. 31
Section 19Verify source
§ 20Functions of Divisional SecretaryProvision

The Divisional Secretary must carry out listed functions in the Division, including assisting the District Commissioner, preparing and submitting reports, coordinating activities, and handling complaints.

20.–(1) The functions of the Divisional Secretary shall be to- (a) represent and assist the District Commissioner in the implementation of Central Government activities in the Divisions; (b) prepare and coordinate information or reports relating to defence and security in wards within the Division 177 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] and submit them to the District Commissioner and the Director; (c) oversee implementation of the decisions and politics of the Central Government within the Division; (d) sensitize and mobilise the residents within the Division to participate in development activities; (e) liaise between the Central Government and the residents within the Division; (f) coordinate all activities connected with disaster and emergency management within the Division; (g) deal with complaints from residents within the Division; (h) prepare implementation report in the Division and submit to the District Commissioner; and (i) do any other function or duty as may be assigned to him by the District Commissioner. [s. 17A] PART V MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Oaths by officers of Government Cap. 266
Section 20Verify source

Part

PART V

§ 21Oaths by officers of GovernmentProvision

Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners may not take up their office until they have taken and subscribed the required oaths. The same oath requirements also apply, mutatis mutandis, to Regional Administrative Secretaries.

21.–(1) A Regional Commissioner or a District Commissioner shall not enter upon the duties of his office, unless he has taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and the oath for due execution of the duties of his office, prescribed under the Official Oaths Act. (2) The provisions of the Official Oaths Act regarding the taking and subscribing of oaths prior to entering upon the duties of officers shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to all persons appointed to hold the post of Regional Administrative Secretary. [s. 18] 178 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Allocation of funds
Section 21Verify source
§ 22Allocation of fundsProvision

Parliament may authorize fund allocations to regional secretariats, and the Minister for Finance may reallocate funds for the 1996/97 financial year under the Appropriation Act. Funds related to a local government authority must be transferred to that authority as soon as practicable after the Government makes the allocation.

22.–(1) Parliament may, in an appropriate act, provide for allocation of funds to every regional secretariat to enable it to meet the estimated expenditure; save that in relation to the 1996/97 financial year, the Minister for Finance may, in exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Appropriation Act for that financial year, reallocate funds to those local government authorities from allocations made to other ministries, departments and regions. (2) Where any of the funds referred to in subsection (1) relate to the expenditure of a local government authority, the funds shall be transferred to the local government authority concerned as soon as may be practicable after the allocation of the funds from the Government has been made. [s. 19] Administration of funds Act No. 6 of 1999 s. 93
Section 22Verify source
§ 23Administration of fundsProvision

The Secretary must administer funds allocated to a regional secretariat and is responsible for their proper administration and accounting.

23.–(1) Funds allocated to a regional secretariat under section 22 shall be administered by the Secretary. (2) A Secretary shall be responsible for the proper administration of funds allocated to the regional secretariat and shall be the accounting officer in relation to those funds. [s. 20] Regulations
Section 23Verify source
§ 24RegulationsRepeal

The Minister may make regulations under this section, and those regulations must be published in the Gazette.

24.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better carrying out of the purposes and provisions of this Act, and without prejudice to the generality of that power, may make regulations- (a) regulating the quorum, proceedings, meetings of, and other matters in relation to, Regional Consultative Committees; and (b) providing for any matter or thing which is required to or may be provided for or prescribed under this Act. (2) Regulations made under this section shall be published in the Gazette. [s. 21] 179 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] Repeals and savings Acts Nos. 2 of 1962 19 of 1962 27 of 1972 Cap.1
Section 24Verify source
§ 25Repeals and savingsRepeal

This section repeals three named Acts and says specified interpretation rules apply to that repeal.

25.–(1) [Repeals the Decentralisation of Government Administration (Interim Provisions) Act; the Regions and Regional Commissioners Act; and the Area Commissioners Act.] (2) The provisions of sections 28, 29, 30, and 31 of the Interpretation of Laws Act shall apply in relation to the repeal of the laws specified in this section as if those provisions were enacted in this Act. [s. 22] FIRST SCHEDULE (Made under section 5) LAWS IMPOSING STATUTORY FUNCTIONS ON REGIONAL COMMISSIONER (a) Article 61(4) of the Constitution [Cap. 2]; (b) The Local Government Finances Act [Cap. 290]; (c) The Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act [Cap. 288]; (d) The Motor vehicles (Tax on registration and transfer) Act [Cap. 124]; (e) Act, No. 5 of 1972; (f) The National Service Act [Cap. 193]; (g) The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Act [Cap. 219]; (h) The Business Licensing Act [Cap. 208]; (i) The Intoxicating Liquors Act [Cap. 77]; (j) The Transport Licensing Act [Cap. 317]; (k) The Prisons Act [Cap. 58]; (l) The National Defence Act [Cap. 192]; (m) The Witchcraft Act [Cap. 18]; and (n) The Townships (Removal of Undesirable Persons) Ordinance [R.L. Cap. 104]. 180 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACT [CAP. 97 R.E. 2023] SECOND SCHEDULE (Made under section 14) LAWS IMPOSING STATUTORY FUNCTIONS ON DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (a) The Law of Marriage Act [Cap. 29]; and (b) The Local Government (District Authorities) Act [Cap. 287]. 181 ©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.
Section 25Verify source

Legislative relationships

13 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

4 instruments

  • and savings Act

    Section 24

  • Criminal Procedure Act

    Section 7

  • District Consultative Committee Act

    Section 16

  • Divisional Secretary means the functions and duties specified under this Act

    Section 19

G–M

3 instruments

  • Government Administration (Interim Provisions) Act

    Section 25

  • Government in every area of Mainland Tanzania. 2. This Act

    Section 2

  • Local Government Service Act

    Section 3

N–S

6 instruments

  • Official Oaths Act

    Section 21

  • Penal Code

    Section 15

  • Public Service Act

    Section 18

  • Regional Commissioner Act

    Section 4

  • Regional Consultative Committee Act

    Section 8

  • Regional Secretariat Act

    Section 9

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