International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 2 No. 8 August 2014 189 ASSESSING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL DECISION MAKING PROCESS EXPERIENCES FROM TABORA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN TANZANIA ANNA PETER LINJE, ASSISTANT LECTURER, TANZANIA PUBLIC SERVICE COLLEGE, TABORA CAMPUS, P.O.BOX 329 TABORA-TANZANIA (EAST AFRICA). EMAIL ADDRESS: linjeanna@yahoo.com CELL PHONE NO: +255754825008 OR +255714737302 ABSTRACT This study examined citizen participation in local decision making process at Tabora municipal council as one of the Tanzanians local governments. In this respect the study sought to establish whether citizens in the selected municipality influence the local development decisions as emphasized by national and local laws. A structured questionnaire, interview and documentary review were the data collection methods used in the study. The findings of this study include that there is insufficient participatory and inactive citizen influence in decision making process in the municipality. Considering nature of involvement this study has concluded that, the municipal has good policies gearing at ensuring citizens are involved in decision making process although there is poor implementation. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for successful citizen participation in decision making. Main among these recommendations is that capacity building programmes and flexible protocol that reflect the main principle of participatory process. KEY WORDS: ASSESSING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING PROCESS.