From The Arusha News Reporter in Dodoma
Newly elected President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dropped seven key ministers in the former cabinet as she announced her new line-up last week.
Those dropped included former Minister of Energy and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Doto Biteko, former Minister of Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe, former Home Affairs Minister, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, former Health Minister, Ms Jenista Mhagama, former Industries and Trade Minister, Mr Seleman Jafo, former Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Ms Pindi Chana and former Constitutional and Legal Affairs Minister, Mr Damas Ndumbaro.
Their exit paved the way for major overhaul as President Samia unveiled a new team of twenty-seven ministers and twenty-nine deputy ministers, all of whom were sworn-in during a ceremony in Dodoma last Tuesday. The reshuffle delivered a mix of new faces and retained others, signalling the president’s intention to recalibrate her administration for the new five-year term.
Khamis Mussa Omar, formerly Tanzania’s ambassador to China, now heads the Ministry of Finance. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo continues as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. Other appointees include Mohamed Mchengerwa at the Ministry of Health, George Simbachawene at Home Affairs and Anthony Mavunde retained the Mining docket.
Prof Adolf Mkenda continues to head the Ministry of Education, Mohamed Mchengerwa was appointed Minister for Health and Minister for Legal and Constitutional Affairs Juma Homera.
The new faces also include appointments for infrastructure, investment, youth development, agriculture, blue economy, natural resources, public service, union affairs, defence and communications portfolios. Deputy ministers were also sworn-in for all ministries, forming one of the most expansive junior team in recent years as the president seeks to reinforce the capacity to deliver.
President Samia said the changes were necessary in order to strengthen performance, improve accountability and align government work with national priorities following the October elections. Analysts note that the reshuffle reflects both political balancing and renewed push for efficiency as the administration enters a demanding period marked by economic pressure and heightened public expectations.
