Silent forms of corruption situated at a ward level in Tanzania: the case study of selected wards in Moshi District

The study dealt with the analysis of silent forms of corruption situated at a ward level. The study focused on four wards namely; Njoro, Majengo, Soweto and Kilimanjaro. The purpose of the study was to gather different opinions and ideas from different groups about silent forms of corruption as they have different social-economic foundations. The study mainly adopted qualitative approach due to the fact that it is the method which best fits to get deep information from respondents depending on the ability to probe. The study found out different silent forms of corruption including bribes, sexual favours, absenteeism and material things. The research further identified factors that made people to engage in different forms of corruption, whereby among other reasons were low salaries, poor economic conditions, hardships in life and the ignorance of the law. The findings also indicated the effects of corruption into people’s livelihood and the country at large. The study points out that lack of strong leadership, low education, deterioration of public ethics, lack of strict laws and poor cooperation between community and the anti-corruption institutions lead to the increase of corruption. The study concludes that the government should raise the salary for employees so as to reduce temptations to engage in corruption, create great awareness to the public on corruption issues as well as people should participate fully in the fight against corruption and should not be left to some people or institutions. The study further recommends that in order to curb corruption in Tanzania, community should refuse to give bribes and to report on corruption practices. Finally PCCB should expand its presence at the lower level of government so as to work close with people.