Institutional Capacity And Implementation Of The National Identification Card Policy In Tanzania

ABSTRACT 

This study was designed to investigate the impact of lack of institutional capacity of a government department on policy implementation. The study had four specific objectives with related research questions. The objectives were to identify policy strategies for the implementation of National Identification Authority (NIDA) in Tanzania; to examine the significance of the implementation of the national identification cards by NIDA in Tanzania; to assess the challenges that hinder the institutions capacity and efficiency of NIDA in the implementation of National Identification Policy in Tanzania; and to evaluate measures to be addressed in enhancing National Identification Authority capacity in the implementation of the National Identification Cards Policy. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam involving 151 respondents in five wards of Mchikichini , Charambe , Temeke A, Ubungo and Kijitonyama . A quantitative approach employing a descriptive survey design was used. Either purposive, stratified random sampling were employed to finally obtain the respondents. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The data collected were subjected to quantitative analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In this study the theories pertaining to institutional capacity were established to familiarize the reader with paradigms, frameworks and approaches in the field of implementation of public policies. The study has revealed that majority of the people are aware of the introduction of national identification cards in Tanzania and agree that a National ID card is an important tool in national development. However the study found out that there have been little efforts in informing the public through other media on the importance of National ID cards. NIDA has been using electronic media especially Television more than others. As the result there has been negative perception on the importance of National ID cards. The study has concluded that NIDA should have community outreach programmes to disseminate information on the importance and advantages of National ID cards especially in areas where electronic media is not accessible.