Crecensia Patrick

Crecensia Patrick Buyoya grew up between Dar es Salaam and Kibaha, a blend of urban and rural life that continues to shape how she sees the world. “The mix shaped my appreciation for both modern innovation and grounded, practical work,” she says. That balance defines her role at DMDO today, where she keeps complex systems running smoothly so others can do their work in the field.

Crecensia holds a Bachelor of Science in Taxation and is currently pursuing her CPA certification through Tanzania’s National Board of Accountants and Auditors. She has trained with the Tanzania Revenue Authority on tax compliance and with NBAA on IPSAS-compliant financial statement preparation. Her academic and professional training, she says, taught her “the value of precision, accountability, and transparency,” skills that have proven vital in her development work.

She joined DMDO through the WASH+ programme and quickly found herself drawn to the ways infrastructure, finance, and behavioural change intersect. “WASH+ at DMDO is more than just infrastructure,” she explains. “It’s a platform for empowering communities economically and socially.” She now supports multiple strands of DMDO’s work, from prepaid water metering systems to sanitation marketing and grassroots financial systems.

As Operations and Administration Officer, Crecensia ensures internal efficiency while directly supporting field operations. “My day often involves coordinating administrative processes, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with financial procedures and tax laws,” she says. “I also support CBWSOs and savings groups with financial documentation and accountability.” In sanitation, she’s involved in promoting SATO latrines, a practical innovation that improves hygiene while encouraging community buy-in.

She’s especially proud of DMDO’s shift from manual water tracking to prepaid meters. “Previously, much of the income from water services was lost due to inconsistent record-keeping,” she explains. “With prepaid meters, we can now accurately monitor both water usage and income. It’s improved transparency, community trust, and long-term sustainability.”

Similarly, for her role as Savings Group Lean, the adoption of the DreamSave app has transformed how DMDO tracks savings group performance. “Before, everything was paper-based. Now, we can monitor savings and loans digitally. It’s faster, more accurate, and easier for both us and the groups.”

What motivates her? “What drives me every day is the belief that systems, when designed with care, can unlock real, lasting change for people. My work may be behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in the thriving savings groups, growing micro-businesses, and stories of transformation I see in the field.”

Outside work, Crecensia is intentional about protecting time to recharge. “I believe in clear boundaries and routines,” she says. “Evenings are reserved for personal development or rest. Often just quiet time.” She plans her weeks carefully to stay present in both her work and her personal life.

Looking ahead, she hopes to see DMDO continue evolving as a model for community-based development. “With prepaid meters, digital tools like DreamSave, and accountable systems, we’re showing how local organisations can adapt and protect community income,” she says. “My vision is for us to strengthen the systems that support our work, especially around financial transparency, digital platforms, and impact measurement.”