Jakaya Kikwete
Jakaya Kikwete: The 5th President of Tanzania
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete was born on October 7, 1950. He is commonly referred to as Baba Mtaijeshi, which translates to "Father of the Army" in Swahili.
Birth and Death Dates
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Kikwete was born in Msata, Coast Region, Tanzania. Unfortunately, there is no information on his death date available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Jakaya Kikwete is a Tanzanian politician who served as the 5th President of Tanzania from 2005 to 2015. He also held various other positions throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
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Kikwete was born into a family that valued education. His father, Mrisho Kikwete, was a farmer, while his mother, Faki Mrema, was a trader. Jakaya's early life was marked by poverty, but he persevered through hard work and determination. He attended primary school in Msata and later enrolled at St. Francis College in Pugu for his secondary education.
Major Accomplishments
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During Kikwete's tenure as President of Tanzania, he implemented several significant policies and projects that improved the country's economy, health care system, and infrastructure. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Increased investment in education: Under Kikwete's leadership, the government invested heavily in education, resulting in a marked improvement in literacy rates and access to quality education.
Improved healthcare services: The President prioritized the development of Tanzania's healthcare system, leading to better healthcare outcomes and increased life expectancy.
Infrastructure development: During his presidency, Kikwete oversaw the construction of new roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects that facilitated economic growth and social development.Notable Works or Actions
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Kikwete was a key figure in several regional and international organizations. He served as:
Chairperson of the African Union (AU): In 2008, Kikwete became the Chairperson of the AU, playing a vital role in promoting peace, stability, and economic development across Africa.
Member of the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board: The President was appointed to this prestigious board, which provides strategic guidance on global development issues.Impact and Legacy
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Jakaya Kikwete's impact on Tanzania and Africa as a whole is undeniable. His leadership style, which emphasized inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, has inspired generations of politicians and policymakers. The President's commitment to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development has left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the country's trajectory.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Kikwete is widely quoted and remembered for his wise words on leadership, governance, and development. He often emphasized the importance of:
Good governance: The President believed that good governance was essential for building a stable and prosperous nation.
Inclusive decision-making: Kikwete advocated for inclusive decision-making processes that involve all stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation.
Investment in human capital: He recognized the critical role of education and healthcare in driving economic growth and improving living standards.
Overall, Jakaya Kikwete's life and legacy serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his unshakeable belief in the potential of Africa and its people.
Quotes by Jakaya Kikwete
If somebody gives you his money, definitely he will be interested in knowing how you spend the money.
I don't think they (the Chinese) have better friends in Africa than us. But when we compare to how much money we get, if we succeed, if the MCA is funded by the US Congress for Tanzania, it's going to be $700 Million. It's going to be huge, it may be a total of all the Chinese have been giving us all these years.
Those who expect radical changes in policy and direction are mistaken and lost. The government of the fourth republic will build on what was undertaken by previous governments and will continue with all good things.
We cannot continue to mourn about our country being poor while our minerals are lying untapped and with harvesting at Lake Natron, we will not be the first to do so, because our neighbours, Kenya, are doing the same on the other side of the lake.
It's very sad that Tanzania is a poor football country. If elected, I promise to put this country on the world football map. I will make sure we produce our own Okochas, El Hadji Dioufs and Zinedine Zidanes here.
There are no demands - undue demands... There are many questions we get? why China? why now and the answer is why not?... There is no any hidden agenda in our cooperation with China, it is a relationship based on mutual understanding and equality; they understand our situation.
Justice has to be done, justice must be seen to be done, what the AU is simply saying is that what is critical, what is the priority, is peace. That is priority number one now.
My government is going to deal with all forms of corruption. White-collar corruption will be high on the list and we are going to plug all gaps that are being used by corrupt leaders (and) business people.