A study of the potential usage of ict (e-government) in improving efficiency and effectiveness of 'executive functions’ of the government including delivery of public services

This study examines the extent of ICT usage in Government (E-govemment) and how its potential can improve efficiency and effectiveness in government executive functions so that to provide better services to the citizen of Tanzania. The role of government in collecting, processing and disseminating information is immense. The planning and management of the vast information in a developing country like Tanzania are either in their infancy or in a state of disarray. The findings of the study shows that the extent of ICT usage is very low; there are few ICT infrastructures available apart from desktop computers, which are almost, found in every government offices. Computerization process and ICT (E-Govemment) implementation in most government organizations is in disarray, location of ICT expertise is generally not known, access to and use of desktop technology need to be improved as information is poorly shared. Some of the major problems faced in the implementation of ICT in the government are: a) Low level of ICT literacy in society at large and specifically in the government; b) Lack of coordination and integration among the ICT professionals from the government, industry and private sector; and c) Difficulty in generating fund for the connectivity and computerization of the government activities. Having revealed the deficiencies in government executive functions and delivery system from the study; it is recommended that: The government should intentionally encourage use of (ICT) within the public administrations to improve efficiency, reduce wastage of resources, enhance planning and raise the quality of services. The government should implement a strategic Information system whereby all involved parties are networked and most of government business activities are done online. ICT is to be used as coordinating organ.