Jakaya Kikwete facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jakaya Kikwete
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Kikwete in January 2011
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| 4th President of Tanzania | |
| In office 21 December 2005 – 5 November 2015 |
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| Vice President | Ali Mohamed Shein Mohamed Gharib Bilal |
| Prime Minister | Frederick Sumaye Edward Lowassa Mizengo Pinda |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Mkapa |
| Succeeded by | John Magufuli |
| 6th Chairperson of the African Union | |
| In office 31 January 2008 – 2 February 2009 |
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| Preceded by | John Kufuor |
| Succeeded by | Muammar Gaddafi |
| 11th Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 27 November 1995 – 21 December 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Rwegasira |
| Succeeded by | Asha-Rose Migiro |
| 7th Minister of Finance | |
| In office 7 August 1994 – 2 November 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Kighoma Malima |
| Succeeded by | Simon Mbilinyi |
| Member of Parliament for Chalinze |
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| In office 26 November 1995 – 20 January 2005 |
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| Succeeded by | Ramadhani Maneno |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
7 October 1950 Msoga, Tanganyika Territory |
| Nationality |  Tanzania |
| Political party | CCM (1977–present) TANU (before 1977) |
| Spouse |
Salma Kikwete
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 10 |
| Residences | Msoga, Chalinze District, Tanzania |
| Alma mater | University of Dar es Salaam (BS) |
| Profession | Economist |
| Twitter handle | jmkikwete |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Tanzania |
| Branch/service | Tanzanian Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Uganda–Tanzania War |
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (born 7 October 1950) is a Tanzanian politician. He was the fourth president of Tanzania, serving from 2005 to 2015.
Before becoming president, he was the Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 2005. He worked under President Benjamin Mkapa. He also served as the leader of the African Union from 2008 to 2009. From 2012 to 2013, he led the Southern African Development Community (SADC) group for peace and security.
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Early Life and Education
Jakaya Kikwete was born in 1950 in Msoga, a village in the Chalinze District of Tanzania. His family belongs to the Kwere people.
He went to Karatu Primary School and Tengeru School in the Arusha Region from 1959 to 1965. After that, he returned to his home area in the Pwani Region. He attended Kibaha Secondary School from 1966 to 1969.
Later, he studied at Tanga Technical Secondary School in the Tanga Region. In 1975, he graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam. He earned a degree in political science and public relations.
Political Career
Kikwete started his career working for the ruling party. He held various positions in different parts of Tanzania. When two main parties, Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), joined to form Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in 1977, Kikwete helped set up the new party in Zanzibar.
He worked at the party's main office in Dar es Salaam. He also served in regional party offices in places like Tabora, Singida, and Lindi. In 1988, he joined the central government.
Ministerial Roles
In 1994, at 44 years old, Kikwete became one of Tanzania's youngest finance ministers. In December 1995, President Benjamin William Mkapa appointed him as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He held this important job for ten years. This made him the longest-serving foreign minister in Tanzania's history.
During his time as Foreign Minister, Tanzania played a big part in bringing peace to the Great Lakes region. This included helping with peace efforts in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kikwete also worked hard to rebuild cooperation in East Africa. He was often the chairman of the East African Community's Council of Ministers. He helped establish a customs union between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Becoming President
In May 2005, Jakaya Kikwete was chosen by his party, CCM, to run for president. He won the general election on 14 December 2005. The Electoral Commission announced him as the winner on 17 December. He officially became the fourth president of Tanzania on 21 December 2005.
Post-Presidency Activities
After his presidency, Kikwete continued to be involved in international efforts. In January 2016, he was appointed by the African Union to help achieve peace and stability in Libya. Later that year, the United Nations Secretary-General asked him to join a group working on improving nutrition worldwide. Since 2022, he has been a co-chair of the Commission for Universal Health.
Personal Life
Jakaya Kikwete loves sports and played basketball when he was in school. He has supported the Tanzania Basketball Federation for many years. He is married to Salma, and they have five children.
He is also active on social media. As of April 2013, he was one of the most followed African leaders on Twitter.
Honours and Awards
Jakaya Kikwete has received many honours and awards for his work.
Honours
He has been given special honours from several countries:
- 2007: Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Uganda)
- 2009: Order of the Green Crescent of the Comoros
- 2009: Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
- 2009: Order of Excellence (Jamaica)
- 2012: Order of Oman (First Class) (Oman)
- 2024: Order of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere (Tanzania)
Awards
Some of his awards include:
- 2007: The AAI African National Achievement Award (for Tanzania).
- 2009: US Doctors for Africa Award.
- 2011: Social Good Award from the United Nations Foundation.
- 2012: FANRPAN Policy Leadership Award for his work in agriculture policy.
- 2013: Africa's Most Impactful Leader of the Year by the Africa Leadership Magazine.
- 2014: Icon of Democracy Award from The Voice Magazine.
- 2015: Leadership Excellence Award by the Pan-African Youth Union.
- 2015: African Statesman of the Year by The African Sun Times.
Honorary Academic Awards
He has also received honorary degrees from universities around the world:
- 2006: University of St. Thomas, USA (Doctor of Law)
- 2008: Kenyatta University, Kenya (Doctor of Humane Letters)
- 2010: Fatih University, Turkey (Doctorate in International Relations)
- 2010: Muhimbili University, Tanzania (Doctor of Public Health)
- 2011: University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Doctor of Law)
- 2013: University of Guelph, Canada (Doctor of Law)
- 2014: China Agricultural University, China (Honorary Professor)
- 2015: University of Newcastle, Australia (Doctor of Laws)
- 2016: Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania (Honorary doctorate in leadership)
Legacy
Many places and institutions are named after Jakaya Kikwete to honor his contributions:
- Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam, a heart hospital.
- Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, a large meeting place.
- Jakaya M Kikwete Youth Park, a sports facility in Dar es Salaam.
- Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF), a non-profit organization.
- Kikwete Bridge, a bridge across the Malagarasi River.
- Kikwete Hall, a reception hall at the Dar es Salaam State House.
- Roads in Dodoma and Nairobi, Kenya.
- Several schools, including Jakaya Kikwete Primary School and Jakaya Kikwete Secondary School.
Images for kids
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President Kikwete with Prime Minister Pinda.
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Kikwete was the first African Head of State to meet President Obama in 2009.
See also
In Spanish: Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete para niños
