'baraza' originates from Swahili, specifically the word 'baraza', where it referred to a council, assembly, or meeting place; the Swahili term itself was influenced by Arabic.

'baraza' was borrowed into Swahili through contact with Arabic-speaking traders and communities (Arabic forms such as 'barāza' or similar), became established in Swahili with meanings of 'council' or 'platform', and was later borrowed into English in colonial and post-colonial contexts to refer to East African public meetings or councils.

Initially it referred to a raised bench or assembly place (a physical platform), and over time its use broadened to mean the meeting or council itself and the institution of local community decision-making.