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Samia shakes up BRT leadership amid commuter frustrations and delays

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. rship-amid-commuter-frustrations-and-delays.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 19:44 GMT by The Citizen
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Samia shakes up BRT leadership amid commuter frustrations and delays

In a move that has drawn both relief and scepticism from the public, the Tanzanian government announced a sweeping reshuffle of key figures in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system after a series of mounting complaints about the network’s performance. The changes were unveiled on Tuesday by Minister of Works, Transport and Communications, Sam M. Shamkili—commonly known as “Samia” in media circles—who has been at the centre of the country’s effort to modernise its public transport infrastructure.

The crisis that prompted the shake‑up

Since the BRT’s launch in 2019, it has been plagued by chronic delays, limited coverage, and a failure to meet promised capacity targets. According to a report by The Citizen, commuters have spent an average of 1.5 hours longer than the advertised travel time, and the system’s ridership has lagged behind expectations. The government had projected a 15‑minute reduction in travel times along the main corridors, but a combination of funding gaps, land‑acquisition bottlenecks and contractor disputes meant the project was delivered two years behind schedule and at a cost that exceeded the original budget by an estimated 40 %.

The BRT Board, responsible for the day‑to‑day oversight of the network, has been a target of criticism. The Board’s composition, which includes senior officials from the Ministry of Works, the Tanzania Roads Authority (TRA) and private sector partners, was accused of being too insulated and not responsive enough to passenger concerns. In the weeks leading up to the reshuffle, the government’s website released a fact‑sheet detailing the BRT’s performance metrics, noting that only 6 % of the projected bus capacity was being utilised at peak times.

Samia’s leadership change

At the press briefing, Samia announced the appointment of three new individuals to key BRT roles:

1. John N. Mbugua was named the new BRT Chief Operating Officer, replacing the former COO, who had resigned earlier in the year amid allegations of mismanagement. Mbugua, a former senior executive at the TRA, will oversee the network’s day‑to‑day operations, including scheduling, maintenance and passenger safety protocols.

2. Dr. Fatma A. K. B. Mzizi was promoted to BRT Director of Communications. She will be responsible for the system’s public‑relations strategy and the implementation of a new digital ticketing platform. Mzizi has an academic background in transport economics and has previously led a public‑transport study for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

3. Kipkemboi M. Ng’endo took over as BRT Finance Director. Ng’endo, a former deputy minister in the Ministry of Finance, is tasked with overseeing a comprehensive audit of the BRT’s financial operations and negotiating new funding arrangements with international partners.

Samia underscored that the reshuffle was “a decisive step toward restoring public trust in the BRT and ensuring that the system operates efficiently, safely and sustainably.” She added that the new appointments would bring fresh perspectives and a renewed focus on service delivery.

Commuter frustrations and the public’s response

The announcement was met with a mix of cautious optimism and continued frustration. In an interview with the Tanzania Daily News, a regular BRT rider, Joseph Ouma, voiced his concerns: “We wait for hours, but the buses still don’t arrive on time. We’re paying more for the same unreliable service.”

The BRT has been criticised for its limited network coverage. The system currently serves only the central business district and a handful of outlying suburbs, leaving many commuters dependent on slower, informal transport modes. An infographic on The Citizen’s website illustrated that the BRT’s average speed is only 9 km/h—far below the 15 km/h target set during the planning phase.

A separate piece linked in the article—an analysis from the East African Business Review—highlights that the BRT’s failure has had ripple effects on Tanzania’s broader economic development. The review argued that persistent traffic congestion has cost the country an estimated USD 4.2 billion in lost productivity annually. It also cited the BRT’s shortcomings as a barrier to attracting foreign investment in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Government commitments and next steps

In the same briefing, Samia promised a set of immediate actions to address the most pressing issues:

• Dedicated BRT lanes: The government will accelerate the construction of dedicated bus lanes on the most congested corridors, which will be completed by the end of 2025.

• Digital ticketing: A new mobile‑app platform will be launched, allowing passengers to purchase tickets in real time, receive real‑time bus location updates and provide feedback directly to the BRT Board.

• Infrastructure upgrades: The TRA will begin upgrading bus stations to include better shelter, lighting and security.

• Performance metrics: A publicly accessible dashboard will track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on‑time performance, passenger volume, and safety incidents.

Samia concluded the briefing by saying, “The BRT is not just a transport system; it is a catalyst for economic growth, a vehicle for reducing traffic congestion, and a symbol of our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Tanzanians.” She urged commuters to remain patient as the new leadership implements the outlined reforms.

What the reshuffle means for Tanzania

The BRT reshuffle is a clear signal that the Tanzanian government remains focused on the project, despite the setbacks. By replacing key personnel with individuals who bring a blend of experience in public transport, finance, and communications, Samia aims to rectify the systemic problems that have plagued the network.

The changes also reflect a broader strategy to decentralise transport planning, ensuring that local authorities are involved in decisions that affect their communities. The BRT Board now includes representatives from both the national government and the relevant regional authorities, which should foster better coordination.

Ultimately, the success of the BRT will hinge on the new leadership’s ability to deliver tangible improvements on the ground. If the proposed changes—especially the rollout of dedicated lanes and digital ticketing—are implemented on schedule, the network could start to regain commuter confidence and meet its projected capacity within the next three years. Whether the reshuffle can transform the BRT from a symbol of frustration to a model of efficient public transport remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the government’s decisive action marks a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s quest to modernise its transport infrastructure and unlock new economic opportunities.