The relevance of ‘Nyumba Kumi’ grassroots security structure in addressing the rise of extremist violence in Tanzania

Abstract

The re-introduction of multiparty politics in Tanzania in 1992 significantly weakened the functioning of security structures at the grassroot level. The weakening of Nyumba Kumi security structure, which had for a long time been part of the governance structure under single party rule, created a security gap in the provision of effective grassroots security early warning system in Tanzania. This paper examines the subsisting relevance of Nyumba Kumi grassroots security structure in addressing the rise of extremist violence in Tanzania. Data were generated from field work conducted in Tanga region in Tanzania. Using case study design, qualitative approach was employed to conduct key informant interviews (KIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) from a population sample of 59 community members obtained through purposive sampling and snowballing techniques. The views and responses were gathered and analyzed through thematic analysis technique. The findings show that Nyumba kumi still remains a viable and reliable grassroots security structure with effective early warning security system in addressing the rise of extremist violence in Tanzania. The paper recommends the review of security policies to allow re-nationalization of Nyumba Kumi security structures into local government administrative structures.