urasimu

How to say it

Meaning

Slow and complicated official procedures that hold up a service, such as many steps to obtain a permit; also the system of government offices and officials itself.

Good to know

U class noun with no plural: kuondoa urasimu, to cut red tape; urasimu mwingi, a lot of red tape. Often mentioned with rushwa, corruption.

Examples

• Wafanyabiashara wanalalamikia urasimu katika kupata leseni.Business people complain about the red tape in getting licenses.
• Serikali imeahidi kupunguza urasimu ofisini.The government has promised to reduce bureaucracy in its offices.
• Urasimu ulichelewesha mradi huo kwa miaka miwili.Red tape delayed the project for two years.