Kikwete: Why I wrote my book

What you need to know:

The fourth phase President Jakaya Kikwete has revealed what inspired him to write a book dubbed ‘The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President’. He said many of the book content came from his own mind.

Dar es Salaam. The retired Tanzania President, Mr Jakaya Kikwete, has disclosed why he decided to write his own book titled: The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President.

Mr Kikwete, who ruled between 2005 and 2015, shared his story on Saturday during the fifth Thanksgiving Day dinner with Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the US, Ms Inmi Patterson and members of American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) in Tanzania, which was organised by Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The Thanksgiving Day is an annual national holiday in the US and Canada, which is meant to celebrate harvests and other blessings of the past year.

“After retiring from my presidency in 2015, I sat down with my family, friends and former workmates and think what I will be doing. I decided to become a farmer, but some of them pushed me to write something,” he said.

He could not get an idea of what to write until April, 2018 at the New York University (NYU).

According to him, he was advised by one of his professors to write down his memoirs. The lecturer assigned some members of the NYU community to assist him.

“At first, three people came to me, holding pens, notebooks and tape recorders. They asked me to tell whatever comes from my mind. After a while, I realised that I have to write about me,” he narrated.

His book reflects on his 40 years in public service, his ascension to the presidency and leadership skills for the next generation of leaders, and his vision for the future of Africa. Mr Kikwete also shared his vast knowledge and experiences with up-and-coming politicians, decision makers and historians.

“My book is specifically focused on history and political issues. It has nothing to do with economy, but I am positive that historical and political academicians will like it,” he noted.

Mr Kikwete’s book also tells his story from a barefoot schoolboy at Msoga Primary School to Tanzania’s president, including his previous political and public positions.

The retired president held various key positions, which include minister for Foreign Affairs, minister for Finance and Minister of Energy and Minerals from 1994 to 2005.

During and after his presidency, he continued to be active and instrumental in championing a development agenda with a special focus on women and children.