Living Conditions of Public Service Retirees in Morogoro Municipality: An Assessment of Tanzania's Social Security Policy

LETICIA NGULUBAYI

Abstract


Tanzania's social security policy aims to provide financial stability and well-being for public service retirees, yet significant gaps persist between policy intentions and lived experiences. This mixed-methods study examines the living conditions of 120 public service retirees in Morogoro Municipality, focusing on financial security, healthcare access, housing conditions, and overall well-being. Through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with retirees and social security officials, the study reveals critical inadequacies in Tanzania's pension system. Key findings indicate that only 30% of retirees consider their pensions sufficient, with a replacement rate of merely 29%—well below international standards. The lack of inflation indexation (15% adequacy) further erodes purchasing power, whilst healthcare affordability (25% adequacy) and housing safety (20% adequacy) reflect systemic policy gaps. Despite mandatory NHIF coverage, quality healthcare remains inaccessible due to underfunded public facilities and prohibitively expensive private alternatives. Housing conditions are compromised by age-inappropriate designs, increasing vulnerability among elderly residents. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive reforms including pension indexation, reduced commutation factors, enhanced healthcare subsidies, and housing modification support. These reforms are essential to ensure dignified living conditions for retirees and strengthen trust in public institutions.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.52447/gij.v11i1.8706

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