President Kikwete says to frequently visit Naivasha after retiring

President Kikwete says to frequently visit Naivasha after retiring

Outgoing Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete now says he will have more time to visit Kenya as a private citizen.

Kikwete, who was speaking to Citizen Digital after casting his ballot at the Msoga Hospital Polling Centre, said that his attachment to Kenya will be felt more after leaving office adding that he has many friends and places to visit in Kenya.

“I have a lot of friends that I will keep visiting in Kenya once I leave office. I will be free to visit as a private citizen than when serving as a Head of State,” said Kikwete.

“I will get time to visit some places like Naivasha with my family and friends and interact with many other Kenyan friends.”

He, however, said that he will continue serving his country, the region and the world at large by offering services at any given level.

He said that plans are ready to open the Jakaya Kikwete Foundation that will offer development studies and skills to many people and especially the youth.

“Upon retiring, I will set up my foundation to help equip more people with development skills. This will contribute to the growth of our country and the world at large,” he said.

He said that he leaves the country’s top office a satisfied man having led to a more stable economy, better infrastructure, improved social-economic status of the general population.

Kikwete, who has served for ten years as the President of East Africa’s largest country, said that the lives of Tanzanians have improved during his tenure.

He challenged his successor to better his record and address the challenges ailing the nation.

The Head of State, who is also a farmer, said that he will spend a lot of time on his farm where he grows fruits, rears cattle and farms fish.

“Upon retirement, I will dedicate a lot of time to my farm where I keep cattle, grow fruits and farm fish. I’m a very dedicated farmer and will not let my passion go away,” he said.

On the East African integration and get-politics, President Kikwete said that he had played his part and the incoming President will take over the role of representing Tanzania in the regional body.

“I have played my part in the East Africa Community (EAC) and the integration agenda. Now it is time for the next President to advance the agenda of this body.”

He added: “However, I will be available for consultations and will support EAC at any particular moment.”

Kikwete retires after ten years of presidency here he served as the fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

He took over from Benjamin Mkapa who served for ten years. Mkapa succeeded Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the second President of the East African nation.

Mwinyi took over from founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the brains behind Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) that has ruled for 38 years.

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