ZANZIBAR Revenue Authority (ZRA) has launched a series of special tax service camps, dubbed "ZRA Mtaani Kwako" (ZRA in Your Neighborhood), across various locations to make public access to revenue services easier and more convenient. The initiative aims to reduce the burden on citizens who often spend long hours traveling to regional offices for essential services.

Speaking yesterday during an outreach session held in Chuini, Makame Khamis Moh’d, ZRA Head of Information, Public Relations and Customer Service, explained that the authority decided to bring services closer to the people to save time and allow them to continue with their daily activities without unnecessary interruptions.

He noted that although ZRA already operates offices in every region, the need to further decentralize and take services directly to business centers and residential areas was recognized. This approach reflects the authority’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and ensuring tax-related assistance reaches all citizens efficiently.

 Makame urged residents to take full advantage of these mobile service camps, emphasizing they offer an opportunity to receive services quickly, conveniently, and at times that align with their daily schedules.

The services provided at the mobile camps are those that many citizens would normally have to travel considerable distances to access at regional offices. These include business registration, tax education and advisory services, driver’s license issuance, tax payments and guidance on obtaining new registration numbers for motor vehicles

Several residents who visited the camp held at the Chuini Daladala Station in West “A” District of Unguja Urban West Region expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative. They noted that the mobile camps not only reduce congestion in ZRA offices but also promote greater efficiency in service provision.

 Yussuf Simon, a resident of Chuini, praised ZRA for bringing services closer, highlighting the speed and efficiency of the process at the mobile camp. "The service is extremely fast—very different from going to the office where you spend a long time waiting," he said.

 Another resident, Suleiman Mohammed Ali from Mbuzini, encouraged motor vehicle owners who have not yet updated their registration numbers to utilize the opportunity, emphasizing that the camps make the legally required compliance significantly easier.

 The six-day camp at the Chuini Bus Terminal marks the beginning of similar service opportunities for residents across Zanzibar. The "ZRA Mtaani Kwako" program is expected to continue in both North and South Unguja before eventually extending to Pemba Island, ensuring national coverage and equal access to critical revenue services. Through this initiative, the government aims to strengthen tax compliance, improve public understanding of revenue laws, and enhance overall service delivery in Zanzibar.