A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of Mzumbe University
The purpose of the study was to examine effectiveness and challenges of Biometric SIM card Registration process implemented in Tanzania effective 1st May, 2019. In examining the main objective of the research, the study also sought to explore factors behind the introduction of Biometric SIM card registration in replacement of the old methods of SIM card registration. Lastly researcher explored the status of NIDA registration and distribution of National IDs/NINs given its requirement for SIM card registration and verification of customer information through fingerprint against the information stored in the NIDA database. To achieve this, the study employed a case study design. The researcher used simple random sampling technique whereby 54 mobile operators’ subscribers were selected from 540 subscribers and 6 key informants from TCRA, mobile operators and NIDA. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews while secondary data were obtained from different published materials and data key informants. Findings of the study have revealed that there were many challenges and loopholes with the old system for SIM card registration. The study has also shown effectiveness of the Biometric SIM card registration in improving the whole process of SIM card registration. Equally, there are existing challenges hampering effective implementation of the new system. Lastly, the study recommends for joint stakeholders’ initiatives to make the registration exercise a success.