PERMANENT Secretary in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance) Juma Mkomi has called on public servants to embrace this year’s Customer Service Week as an opportunity to improve service delivery and enhance public trust in government institutions.

Addressing a press conference in Dodoma yesterday, Mkomi emphasized that improving service to citizens would not only reduce complaints but also increase efficiency and reinforce the public’s confidence in government systems. 

Customer Service Week is observed annually from October 6 to 10, and aims to encourage public institutions to deliver high-quality services and raise awareness among citizens about the services offered.

The theme for this year is "A Commitment that Works", a call for civil servants to offer services with tangible results.

“This commitment must be implemented through proper planning, the right policies, and effective resource allocation to serve the citizen, who is the primary client of public service,” Mkomi stated.

He further reminded public servants of their constitutional duties and urged them to offer services based on integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.

According to Mkomi, providing excellent services requires honesty, respect, humility, and the rejection of corrupt practices.

Mkomi also highlighted that the President’s Office continues to oversee the commemoration of this week with the aim of strengthening patriotism, integrity, service excellence, and public servant performance.

The celebrations, he said, provide a valuable opportunity for institutions to reflect, learn, and improve their service delivery systems.

In addition to the focus on service improvement, Mkomi underscored the importance of civil servants’ participation in the upcoming General Election scheduled for October 29, encouraging them to take part in electing competent leaders at the presidential, parliamentary, and local government levels for the nation’s benefit.

However, he clarified that public servants will not be allowed to vote outside of their designated work stations unless under special circumstances.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission allows civil servants who are unable to vote at their original polling stations to participate in the presidential vote only, particularly those on official duty or those who were recently relocated to Dodoma due to government restructuring,” he explained.

The remarks come as government institutions across the country engage with citizens during Customer Service Week, aiming to bridge gaps in communication, improve responsiveness, and showcase commitment to citizen-centred development.