MWE Correspondent
The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has warned 328 newly recruited employees against leaving their assigned work stations without following official procedures, saying unauthorized absence could result in disciplinary action.
The warning was issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by TFS Deputy Conservation Commissioner responsible for the Directorate of Support Services and Administration, DCC Emmanuel Wilfred Kiboko, while delivering a presentation during the second day of an induction programme for the new employees in Dodoma.
DCC Kiboko said the employees are required to report to their assigned work stations within seven days of receiving their employment letters.
He further directed heads of stations to confirm the arrival of the newly recruited employees and assign them their respective duties.
“Leaving your work station without following the required procedure means you may face disciplinary action for absenteeism,” DCC Kiboko said, urging the employees to take the conditions of their employment and public service regulations seriously.
He also warned the new employees against leaving their assigned stations to complete their studies without following the required procedures and obtaining approval from the Conservation Commissioner.
According to DCC Kiboko, TFS has identified cases where some station heads have allowed employees to leave their work stations to complete their studies without the necessary authorisation.
He cautioned that disciplinary measures could also be taken against leaders who permit such departures without official approval.
DCC Kiboko explained that TFS uses a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) to identify areas where the agency needs to invest in employee training and professional development.
He said the agency’s Training Programme then outlines the training needs of individual employees, including the appropriate duration of training, based on institutional requirements and available budgetary resources.
The 328 new employees have been recruited to strengthen the agency’s workforce in areas where TFS is implementing its responsibilities.
Kiboko urged them to fulfil their duties at their assigned stations, saying their contribution would be important in improving efficiency and supporting the government’s efforts to increase revenue from the forestry sector.
He also encouraged the employees to join professional associations relevant to their respective careers.
Also Read: Kikwete Inspects Safer Communities Project In Tabora
For forestry professionals, he cited the Tanzania Association of Foresters (TAF), noting that professional membership can support continuous learning, networking and career development.
He reminded the employees that public service is a continuous journey that requires employees to keep learning and regularly reminding themselves about professional ethics.
The induction of the new TFS employees comes as Tanzania continues to strengthen the management, conservation and sustainable utilisation of its forest resources.
TFS is responsible for managing and conserving national forest reserves, overseeing forest-related activities and supporting sustainable forest management across the country.
The agency also plays a role in combating illegal activities in forests, promoting tree planting and supporting communities involved in sustainable forest-resource use.
Tanzania’s forests are important not only for biodiversity and wildlife habitats but also for climate regulation, water catchment protection, livelihoods and the country’s wider environmental objectives.
With the government increasingly emphasising environmental conservation and climate resilience, strengthening the capacity and discipline of forestry personnel remains important for effective implementation of these responsibilities.
The deployment of the 328 employees is therefore expected to add manpower to TFS operations, particularly at field level where forest conservation activities require a consistent presence.
Kiboko urged the new employees to view their appointments as a responsibility to the public rather than simply as employment opportunities.
He stressed that they must maintain discipline, integrity and professionalism throughout their careers while protecting the reputation of TFS, the public service, themselves and their families.
The induction programme is expected to equip the newly recruited employees with knowledge of public service regulations, institutional responsibilities, ethics and the procedures they will be required to follow during their service.
