Siha Council

Geographic & Administrative Profile

• Location: One of the seven districts in Kilimanjaro Region, northeastern Tanzania. It spans approximately 1,217 km², encompassing altitudes from lowlands up to Mount Kilimanjaro’s western slopes, including the Shira Plateau and the Klute Peak (3,952 m).

• District Capital: Sanya Juu.

• Wards: As of 2012 there were 12 wards: Biriri, Gararagua, Naeny, Karansi, Kashashi, Livishi, Makiwaru, Nasai, Ndumeti, Ngarenairobi, Olkolili, Sanya Juu.

• Population: The 2022 national census recorded 139,019 residents — about 110 people/km²

2. Governance Structure & Vision

• Council Mandate: Oversees public service delivery, environmental and natural resource management, local economic and social development. Guided by a vision of fostering “a successful community at the highest levels” and a mission centered on good governance, accountability, and collaborating with citizens.

• Core Values: Creativity, expertise, customer‑oriented service, effective collaboration, timeliness, respect, and accountability.

• Standing Committees:

  • Finance, Leadership & Planning

  • Education, Health & Water

  • Infrastructure, Economy & Environment

  • HIV/AIDS Control

  • Ethics Committee

  • Other governance bodies (e.g. Auditing Committees).

3. Services & Infrastructure

• Health Facilities:

  • Census 2022 data indicates 3 hospitals and 14 dispensaries/clinics

  • Notably, Siha DC ranked among Tanzania’s top rural councils in the 2018 “Star Rating” for primary health facility governance.

• Education:

  • It has 76 primary schools and 19 secondary schools (about ⅔ are public) .

• Governance & Public Services:

  • Employs approximately 1,208 public officials.

  • Runs revenue and school infrastructure dashboards, planning, and financial systems (BEMIS, PlanRep, FFARS, LGRCIS).

4. Contact & Latest Updates

• Council HQ: Office of the District Executive Director, P.O. Box 129, Sanya Juu – Elerai

• Phone: 0272‑970677 | Mobile: 0713‑164432

• Fax: 0272‑970678 | Email: ded@sihadc.go.tz.

• Recent Notices:

  • Lists of appointed staff (October 2024), farm leasing announcements (January 2025), board chair vacancy (February 2025), and new job openings as of June 2025 .

5. Historical & Cultural Context

Siha traces its roots to the historical Chagga kingdom of Kibongoto/Siha (c. 1840s–1962), with rich traditions linked to clans such as Mmari, Kileo, and Orio. The area is known for unique cultural customs—like sacred fire rituals and cursing stones—and interactions with Maasai neighbors. These traditions persisted until early 20th century and give Siha a deeply rooted cultural heritage.

📝 Summary Table