Leveraging on Hybrid ICTs for Improved Government Transparency, Accountability and Citizen Engagement

Abstract

An accountable government recognises the needs and interests of citizens and works towards advancing public welfare. Lack of accountability impedes both democracy and socio- economic development of any community. Citizen feedback is important as it boosts transparency and accountability in government. In this regard, ICTs can help expand the communication channel between the government and the citizens while fostering transparency and accountability in public services. This study proposes the use of hybrid ICTs as a tool for engaging citizens in monitoring their government. The evaluation of the proposed prototype shows that the use of ICTs in facilitating the citizens’ engagement is still in its infancy in Tanzania and that more research work is needed to explore their feasibility in the Tanzanian context.